3 weeks ago
Jharkhand exam stir enters 20th day, aspirants refuse to relent
In Jharkhand, a part of India, many young people want government jobs.
To get one, they have to pass special exams.
Many students believe these exams were not fair, so they are protesting in the city of Ranchi.
The protest has lasted for about three weeks now.
The students want the government to check what went wrong and to cancel some exams.
They also want a group like the CBI, which investigates big crimes, to look into it.
Police stopped students from marching to the state assembly building and used water cannons and tear gas, and some people got hurt.
A few protesters are on a hunger strike, which means they refuse to eat until their demands are met, and some are in the hospital.
Investigators also found claims that people paid money to get higher marks in the exams.
The leaders and students have talked many times, but they have not agreed on a solution yet.
The JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch-led agitation over alleged irregularities in Jharkhand recruitment exams entered its 20th day on Thursday, with aspirants refusing to end the stir.
Protesters demand greater transparency in JPSC and JSSC exams, cancellation of several tests, and an independent probe by the CBI or a panel of retired judges from outside the state.
Police used batons, water cannons and tear gas on Monday's march to the state assembly; protesters allege injuries while Ranchi Police say 14 of their personnel were injured.
Six demonstrators are on an indefinite hunger strike, including JLKM leader Devendra Nath Mahto, with reports differing on how many were admitted to hospital.
The CID probe alleges a cash-for-marks racket, with key accused Abhay Kumar Tiwari claiming about ₹5.8 crore was collected from 20 candidates, while former CM Raghubar Das threatened a hunger strike over the CBI probe demand.
- Who
- Job aspirants led by the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch, supporting groups such as Jharkhand Chhatra Nyay and ABVP, JLKM leader Devendra Nath Mahto, the Jharkhand government led by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Ranchi Police, and political parties BJP and Congress.
- What
- A protest over alleged irregularities and an alleged cash-for-marks racket in JPSC and JSSC recruitment exams, demanding transparency, cancellation of several tests and an independent CBI probe.
- Where
- Ranchi, Jharkhand, India, with protests at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium and a silent procession to Albert Ekka Chowk; hunger strikers at Ranchi Sadar Hospital.
- When
- The stir entered its 20th day on Thursday (August 13); police clashed with marchers on Monday and the BJP held a statewide bandh, with the assembly adjourned sine die on Tuesday.
- Why
- Students allege irregularities and corruption in the recruitment exams and condemn police action; the CID is investigating claims that money was paid to boost interview marks.
Protesting students and opposition BJP
Jharkhand government, police and Congress
Investigation into exam irregularities
Protesting students and opposition BJP
Students and the BJP demand cancellation of several exams and an independent probe by the CBI or a panel of retired high court judges from outside the state, with ABVP questioning the credibility of the state-appointed SIT amid repeated changes in its composition.
Jharkhand government, police and Congress
The government cites its ongoing CID investigation and reform commitments, with CM Hemant Soren assuring the 14th JPSC exam will be cancelled; Congress accuses the BJP of opposing the CID investigation.
Police action against protesters
Protesting students and opposition BJP
Students and BJP leaders condemn Monday's lathi-charge, water cannons and tear gas, allege injuries to protesters, and accuse the Ranchi district administration of intimidation such as shutting off electricity at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium.
Jharkhand government, police and Congress
Ranchi Police say 14 of their personnel were injured while dispersing marchers; Deputy Commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri and SSP Rakesh Ranjan deny intimidation, saying they visited the site to enquire about the students' well-being.
Politicisation of the agitation
Protesting students and opposition BJP
The BJP accuses the JMM-led government of suppressing the voices of protesting youths and demands an independent probe into the alleged examination irregularities.
Jharkhand government, police and Congress
CM Hemant Soren and Congress accuse the BJP of turning the students' agitation into a political platform and of bringing people from outside Jharkhand to disrupt the protest.
Key facts
- Protest duration
- 20th day on Thursday (August 13)
- Location
- Ranchi, Jharkhand, India (Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, Ranchi Sadar Hospital)
- Key demands
- Transparency in JPSC and JSSC exams; cancellation of several tests; independent CBI probe or panel of retired judges from outside Jharkhand
- Police action
- Batons, water cannons and tear gas used on Monday's assembly march; 14 Ranchi Police personnel injured
- Hunger strikers
- Six demonstrators on indefinite hunger strike; JLKM leader Devendra Nath Mahto and Rahul Kranti of Palamu among those hospitalized; reports differ on numbers admitted
- Alleged cash-for-marks racket
- About ₹5.8 crore collected from 20 candidates per accused Abhay Kumar Tiwari, related to 11th-13th JPSC exams
- Government assurance
- 14th JPSC examination to be cancelled, says CM Hemant Soren
- Political fallout
- BJP statewide bandh Tuesday; assembly adjourned sine die; Raghubar Das threatens hunger strike over CBI probe; ABVP plans protests at 1,200+ universities
Quotes
Babulal Marandi
Leader of Opposition, BJP member
“"If any attempt is made to suppress the voices at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, its spark will reach every village in Jharkhand," Marandi said.”
deccanchronicle.com
“I will go on a hunger strike if the demand for a CBI probe is not met within a week”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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