Protestors to continue stir till demands met against 'irregularities' in job exams

Students protesting alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations in Jharkhand on Tuesday said they would continue their agitation until all their demands were addressed, while announcing plans to intensify the ongoing stir. Members of the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch made the announcement after taking out a “silent procession” in Ranchi in the evening. The protest, which began on July 25, entered its 18th day on Tuesday.

Protesters say 'no positive response'

Manch leader Ravindra Paswan said protesters had expected the state government to respond positively after Monday’s demonstration, which he claimed was attended by more than 50,000 students from across Jharkhand.

“We hoped the state government would come out with some positive message for the students after Monday's protest,” Paswan said.

He said the protesters had received no satisfactory response and would therefore continue their agitation at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium until their demands were fulfilled.

Another Manch leader, Piyush Kumar, said the organisation had decided to step up the protest and would soon announce its future course of action.

Kumar, however, maintained that the protesters remained willing to hold talks with the state government to find a solution to the dispute.

Silent march held in Ranchi

Earlier in the evening, students and job aspirants marched silently from Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium to Albert Ekka Chowk to highlight their demands over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations.

The protesters also criticised the police action during their march towards the Jharkhand Assembly on Monday. Manch members alleged that police resorted to a lathi-charge and used tear gas shells and water cannons against demonstrators.

The agitation has centred on the functioning of the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC), with protesters demanding greater transparency in recruitment examinations.

CBI probe among key demands

The students and job aspirants are seeking reforms in the functioning of both recruitment bodies and cancellation of several examinations over alleged irregularities.

They have also demanded an independent investigation into the recruitment process, either by the Central Bureau of Investigation or by a panel comprising retired high court judges from outside Jharkhand.

The protesters have maintained that changes are necessary to restore confidence in the state's recruitment system and ensure fairness for job aspirants.

Six on indefinite hunger strike

Alongside the demonstrations, six protesters have been observing an indefinite hunger strike in support of the demands.

Two of the hunger strikers have been hospitalised as the agitation continues.

With no resolution reached between the protesters and the state government, the Manch said it would remain at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium and announce its next phase of agitation shortly.