The protest by state service aspirants in Jharkhand, alleging irregularities in recruitment examinations, is growing by the day. 

Launched on July 25 from Ranchi’s Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium under the banner of the ‘JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch’, the protest entered its 14th day on Friday. Meanwhile, political pressure on the Hemant Soren government continues to mount.

The immediate trigger for the protest were the results of the 14th Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) Civil Services Preliminary Examination released on July 5. Protesters have alleged large-scale irregularities in the examination and selection process. They are demanding the cancellation of the exam and calling for a probe by the CBI or the formation of a committee comprising retired High Court judges from outside Jharkhand to investigate the matter.

Since its inception, however, the movement has expanded beyond grievances related to a single exam’s results to demand comprehensive and structural reforms within the JPSC and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC). 

As many as six protesters have embarked on an indefinite hunger strike. Earlier today, one of the hunger strikers, Rahul Kranti, who has been on a fast since August 4, was taken in an ambulance after his health deteriorated, according to PTI. 

Questions are also being raised about the mainstream media’s coverage of this protest in Jharkhand. Protesters allege that the movement unfolding in Ranchi is not receiving the level of attention it warrants. 

A notable aspect of this movement is that the majority of the protesting candidates have completed their undergraduate studies and are preparing for recruitment exams for government jobs. In contrast, many of the protesters seen in recent demonstrations at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar were relatively younger.

What is the ground reality in Ranchi? What demands have kept the aspirants steadfast for 14 days, and what response have they received from the government so far?

Watch our report.

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