Jharkhand students extend sit‑in demanding leak‑free recruitment exams

The ongoing demonstration in Ranchi, led by Jharkhand Loktantrik Kisan Morcha (JLKM) chief Devendra Mahto, entered its second phase on Tuesday, with participants demanding that the state government ensure no future paper leaks or irregularities in public‑service examinations.

Protesters set up a permanent camp outside the state secretariat, displaying banners that call for “corruption‑free job examinations.” Mahto addressed the crowd, stating that the movement will not cease until a formal guarantee is issued by the government to safeguard the integrity of recruitment tests such as the Jharkhand Subordinate Service Commission (JSSC) and the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) exams. He warned that any compromise would erode public trust in the civil‑service selection process.

The state administration responded by announcing the cancellation of recent reforms to the JSSC‑CGL examination schedule, a decision that was welcomed by the demonstrators but also raised concerns about administrative delays. Officials indicated that a review panel will examine existing security protocols and propose stricter measures to prevent paper leaks, which have plagued past examinations and triggered widespread criticism.

While the protest remains peaceful, the sit‑in has drawn attention from student bodies across the state, many of whom have joined the encampment or pledged solidarity through social media. Observers note that the demand for transparent recruitment aligns with broader calls for accountability in Jharkhand’s public institutions. The next steps hinge on whether the government can present a concrete, time‑bound plan that satisfies the protesters’ core demand for a leak‑free examination system.