Protests over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations have intensified in Jharkhand, India. Job candidates are demanding cancellation of the 14th Jharkhand Public Service Commission preliminary examination, an impartial investigation into allegations that the question paper was leaked and reforms to the state’s recruitment system.
Student leader Devendranath Mahato began an indefinite hunger strike at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi in support of the demands. The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) backed the movement, after which the protests intensified.
The demonstrations began amid allegations of question-paper leaks, irregularities in the recruitment process and administrative negligence. Students said such incidents had repeatedly harmed their careers.
Addressing supporters, Mahato said the movement began after the results of the 14th JPSC preliminary examination were announced last month. He told the ANI news agency: “The controversy began exactly one month ago with the announcement of the 14th preliminary test results. We started this movement on July 5, met the governor on July 7 and burned an effigy in protest on July 8. We then met the chief minister on July 20 and submitted evidence, which started the process of government action.”
Mahato alleged that despite weeks of protests, the government and the Jharkhand Public Service Commission had failed to properly address students’ concerns.
He told reporters he would continue his hunger strike until the demands presented to Chief Minister Hemant Soren were met.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report