Jharkhand: Nineteen days of unrest as bona fide students press for transparency in JPSC–JSSC
Ranchi, August 12: The student protest continued for the 19th consecutive day on Wednesday, demanding a CBI investigation into alleged irregularities in the JPSC-JSSC recruitment exams, among other demands. The hunger strike entered its ninth day. The protesting students are adamant on demanding transparency in the exams, an impartial investigation into the alleged irregularities, and concrete action against the culprits.
Protesting student Vinay Mehta stated that the students are observing a peaceful hunger strike at the Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium. He alleged that the government is not taking the students’ demands seriously.
He expressed concern that the police administration’s activity at the protest site late last night was an attempt to suppress the protest. He appealed to the government to seriously consider the students’ demands.
Meanwhile, protester Umma Habib’s health deteriorated and she was admitted to the hospital late at night. Earlier, student candidates Rahul Kumar and Devendranath Mahato were also taken to Sadar Hospital for treatment. Protesters stated that the administration’s presence at the protest site late at night, despite the ongoing treatment of the protesters, raises several questions.
Student protester Kunal Pratap Singh and others stated that a clear and satisfactory resolution of the issues raised regarding recruitment examinations is essential. They alleged that the government is attempting to avoid the seriousness of the matter. They stated that dissatisfaction among candidates over alleged irregularities in the examination process has grown. An independent agency should investigate the entire matter and make the facts public so that candidates can regain confidence in the examination system.
Student Rohit Kujur stated that the objective of the protest is to ensure transparency and fairness in recruitment examinations. He stated that candidates put in years of hard work preparing for competitive examinations. Therefore, an impartial investigation into the alleged rigging of the examination is essential. He questioned why the government is avoiding canceling the CGL exam and conducting a CBI investigation.
Meanwhile, hunger strikers in the stadium premises demonstrated and raised slogans regarding their demands. The protesters stated that their protest would continue until a concrete decision was reached on their key demands. A large number of students, candidates, and others were present at the protest site.
