Jharkhand Exam Protest Enters 23rd Day as Students Plan Statewide Effigy-Burning

RANCHI, August 16, 2026: The protest by students demanding reforms in Jharkhand’s recruitment examination system entered its 23rd day on Sunday, with the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch announcing plans to burn effigies of Chief Minister Hemant Soren and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi across all 24 districts.

The protesters allege that the ruling JMM-Congress alliance has failed to take concrete action on their demands concerning alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations.

STUDENTS PLAN GHERAO ON AUGUST 20

The protesting students have announced a gherao of Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s residence in Ranchi on August 20 and are demanding his resignation.

They have also asked Rahul Gandhi to withdraw Congress support to the JMM-led government if, according to them, the Chief Minister does not act on their concerns.

TIRANGA YATRA IN RANCHI

On Saturday, students and job aspirants organised a Tiranga Yatra in Ranchi as part of the 80th Independence Day observances and their campaign for greater transparency in recruitment examinations.

Thousands of protesters, including two wheelchair users who were reportedly on hunger strike, participated in the march from Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium to Albert Ekka Chowk.

Carrying the national flag, demonstrators raised slogans including “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram.”

KEY DEMANDS

The JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch has called for:

Cancellation of recruitment examinations in which protesters allege irregularities.

An independent investigation into the examination process.

A CBI probe or inquiry by a panel of retired judges from outside Jharkhand.

Cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examination and certain Jharkhand Public Service Commission examinations that the protesters consider questionable.

Broader reforms to restore confidence in the recruitment system.

The students say their movement is not limited to individual examinations and concerns the credibility of the entire recruitment process and the future of thousands of job aspirants.

RAHUL GANDHI ALSO TARGETED

The protesters have criticised Rahul Gandhi, saying that although he had expressed support for students, they believe no concrete action followed.

They have demanded that the Congress withdraw its support to the JMM-led government if their concerns are not addressed.

GOVERNMENT PROMISES REFORMS

The state government has sought to reassure students by announcing measures aimed at making recruitment examinations more transparent and secure.

In his Independence Day address, Chief Minister Hemant Soren acknowledged that allegations surrounding recruitment examinations had affected the confidence of an entire generation of job aspirants.

He said investigations into alleged irregularities would be conducted impartially and that anyone found responsible would face legal action, regardless of influence or position.

Soren also cautioned against declaring people guilty without evidence and stressed that accountability must be based on facts.

NEW EXAMINATION MEASURES

The government has outlined several proposed reforms, including:

A time-bound annual examination calendar

Technology-secured examinations

Timely release of answer keys and OMR sheets

Multi-level accountability in recruitment agencies

Wider consultation with students and other stakeholders

The government has also launched the “Students’ Voice with Students” campaign to gather suggestions from students, teachers, educationists and parents on examination reforms.

POLICE INCIDENT RAISES CONCERN

JLKM leader Devendra Mahto, who has reportedly been on a hunger strike for 15 days, alleged that police prevented him from leaving Sadar Hospital to join Saturday’s march.

Videos purportedly showing Mahto in a confrontation with security personnel while attempting to leave the hospital circulated on social media.

The allegations regarding the incident have not been independently established in the supplied source.

GOVERNOR ALSO EXPRESSES CONCERN

Jharkhand Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar also expressed concern over alleged examination malpractice.

He said question-paper leaks undermine the morale and prospects of students who rely on their hard work and ability to succeed in competitive examinations.

KEY POINTS

JPSC-JSSC student protest enters its 23rd day.

Students plan to burn effigies of Hemant Soren and Rahul Gandhi across 24 districts.

Protesters plan to gherao the Chief Minister’s residence on August 20.

Students demand cancellation of examinations where alleged irregularities were found.

They seek a CBI probe or an external retired-judges’ inquiry.

Government has promised technology-based and systemic examination reforms.

Soren has said guilty persons will face legal action after impartial investigation.

Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar has also raised concerns about examination malpractice.