Ranchi: Students’ anger over alleged irregularities in the JPSC-JSSC exams in Jharkhand continues unabated. The protests entered their 13th day on Thursday. Now, protesters are demanding not just reforms but the resignation of Chief Minister Hemant Soren.

“We will remain firm until the government accepts our demands.” 

Students are on a hunger strike at the Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium. The protesters allege that the government continues to ignore their concerns. One student said, “We will not back down until the government listens to us. The Chief Minister has returned from Bengaluru, but he hasn’t even paid attention to the situation. He doesn’t deserve this position.”  

Another protester made a direct comparison, “This isn’t Delhi, it’s Jharkhand. The students have clearly stated their concerns. If Dharmendra Pradhan can resign over the NEET irregularities, why can’t Hemant Soren?” Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned last month following the NEET-UG paper leak controversy. Citing this, the students are demanding answers from the Chief Minister.  

5 more students join hunger strike

JPSC-JSSC Reforms Forum spokesperson Jeevan Kumar said that five more students, including two women, have joined the hunger strike to intensify the movement. Protester Sabita Kumari said that the government hadn’t listened to the students from the beginning, so the movement had to be intensified. Meanwhile, Habiba made an emotional appeal, “The Chief Minister is our guardian. When children go hungry, the guardian feels pain. We don’t just want assurances, we want action and justice.”  

What are the demands of the students?

This movement, launched on July 25th under the banner of the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Forum, has become the largest student movement in the state in recent years. The students are demanding the cancellation of the 14th Jharkhand Public Service Commission Civil Services Examination and an independent investigation by the CBI or a committee of a retired high court judge into irregularities in the recruitment process.  

Government’s stance and next steps

Chief Minister Hemant Soren has stated that paper leaks are a national issue and that he is ready for dialogue. However, students remain adamant on demanding comprehensive reforms within the JPSC and JSSC. There are signs that the agitation may intensify.

Student organizations have announced a siege of the state assembly on August 7th and 10th. In response, the administration has imposed prohibitory orders within a 750-meter radius of the assembly from August 6th to August 12th. Protests will be prohibited from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.