Ongoing Protests in Jharkhand Over Recruitment Exam Irregularities

Protests in Jharkhand over alleged irregularities in recruitment exams have reached their 15th day, with students demanding investigations and reforms. Despite ongoing discussions with the government, demonstrators remain steadfast in their hunger strike until their demands are met. Health concerns have emerged as one student leader was hospitalized. The movement has gained significant traction, becoming one of the largest student-led protests in recent years, with warnings of further actions if their requests are not addressed promptly.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 8, 2026, 10:18 IST

Protests Continue Amidst Stalemate

Ranchi, August 8 - The protests against alleged irregularities in Jharkhand's recruitment examinations have entered their 15th day, with no resolution in sight despite discussions between the state government and the protesting students. However, the government is scheduled to meet with another group of demonstrators at 10 AM. Following the initial round of talks between an 11-member delegation from the 'JPSC/JSSC (Jharkhand Public Service Commission-Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission) Reform Forum' and a government committee led by the Minister of Higher and Technical Education, Sudivya Kumar, the students have decided to continue their protests and hunger strike until their demands are met.

Demands for Investigation and Reforms

The students are calling for the cancellation of the 14th Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) exam and an independent investigation into the alleged irregularities, either by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or by a panel of retired judges from outside the state. They are also demanding comprehensive reforms in both JPSC and JSSC. The students have warned that if their demands are not addressed by Sunday, they will proceed with a planned assembly march on August 10. The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) has also announced a march against the alleged irregularities in the recruitment exams.

Negotiations with Other Groups

A second group led by Devendra Nath Mahto from the Jharkhand Democratic Revolutionary Front (JLMK), which has been on a hunger strike for seven days, has also scheduled a meeting with the government and submitted the names of an eight-member delegation. According to group members, they have been invited for discussions at the state guest house on Saturday. This movement, which began on July 25 under the banner of the 'JPSC-JSSC Reform Forum', has become one of the largest student-led movements in Jharkhand in recent years.

Health Concerns Among Protesters

Among the six individuals on an indefinite hunger strike, student leader Rahul Kranti was hospitalized at Ranchi Sadar Hospital due to deteriorating health, raising concerns about the well-being of the protesters. The Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, Babulal Marandi, visited the hospital on Friday and urged the students not to jeopardize their lives, emphasizing the need for a prolonged struggle. Health Minister Irfan Ansari also met with Kranti on the Chief Minister's directive, assuring that the students are receiving proper medical care under expert supervision.

Arrests Made in Connection with Irregularities

So far, 19 individuals have been arrested in connection with the irregularities in the JPSC examinations. The former chairman of JPSC, L. Khiangte, has been interrogated four times since July 28.