Jharkhand Students Raise ‘Shame on Hemant Soren’ Slogans, Seek CBI Inquiry into JPSC Exams

Hundreds of students in Jharkhand continued their protest for the fifth straight day on Sunday, demanding a CBI investigation into alleged irregularities in the 14th Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) examination.

The JSSC-CGL recruitment test and other government recruitment exams. The protesters have been staging an indefinite sit-in at a stadium in Ranchi since July 29, accusing the state’s recruitment agencies of repeated lapses and a lack of transparency. They are demanding the cancellation of the 14th JPSC Combined Preliminary Examination conducted on April 19, a court-monitored probe by central agencies, including the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED), and structural reforms in the recruitment process.

The students have also sought the introduction of a fifth “Not Attempted” option in OMR answer sheets, arguing that it would make the evaluation process more transparent. As the protest gathered momentum, demonstrators raised slogans including “Order CBI Probe in JPSC”, “Long Live Students’ Unity” and “Shame on Hemant Soren”.

‘NO FAITH IN THE CID INVESTIGATION’

JPSC aspirant Rahul Kumar Kranti alleged that irregularities had repeatedly surfaced in recruitment examinations conducted by the state’s agencies. “Paper leaks in JPSC have happened several times. This time, candidates’ OMR sheets have been leaked. The chief minister has ordered a CID investigation, but we are not satisfied,” he said.

Kranti alleged that previous investigations into the JSSC-CGL paper leak had failed to establish accountability and expressed doubts over the ongoing CID inquiry.

“We have completely lost faith in the CID probe. We want a CBI investigation into all recruitment examinations conducted by the JPSC and JSSC over the past seven years. We also demand the chief minister’s resignation on moral grounds,” he said.

‘WE ONLY WANT A FAIR CHANCE’

Ankit Kumar, an aspirant from Giridih, said the alleged irregularities had put the future of thousands of candidates at risk. “Most of us come from farming families. We are only asking for a fair opportunity based on merit,” he said.

Sneha, a tribal student from Ranchi, called for strict action against those responsible and demanded the cancellation of the April 19 examination. “I have been preparing for competitive exams since 2023. If deserving candidates are not given a level playing field, how will we get jobs? I appeal to the chief minister to listen to our demands,” she said.

Archana Kumari from Palamu said the protest would continue until the government accepted the students’ demands and ensured accountability. Another protester, Shyam Bihari Gupta from Latehar district, said the agitation had received support from people across the country.

“The government is still not listening to us. People from different cities are sending food and other essentials to the protest site. Their support is helping us continue this movement,” he said.

The protesters have maintained that they will continue their indefinite sit-in until the government orders an independent investigation, cancels the April 19 JPSC examination and implements reforms to restore confidence in the state’s recruitment process.