Ranchi protest intensifies as JPSC, JSSC candidates allege paper leaks, recruitment delays

An indefinite protest by government job aspirants has intensified in Ranchi, with candidates accusing the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) of irregularities in recruitment examinations.

The protesters are demanding a CBI investigation, time-bound recruitment, and greater transparency in the state's selection process.

Hundreds of aspirants have gathered at Jaipal Singh Stadium, where they have set up temporary shelters with tents, bedding, and cooking arrangements, indicating they are prepared for a prolonged agitation.

Participants from Hazaribagh, Ramgarh, Bokaro, and several other districts have joined the demonstration, saying they will continue their protest until the government addresses their demands.

Many candidates alleged that repeated paper leaks, canceled examinations, delayed recruitment, irregular evaluation, and favoritism have undermined the credibility of recruitment conducted by JPSC and JSSC.

Several protesters said they had spent seven to ten years preparing for government jobs, but recurring controversies and delays had left many crossing the upper age limit without securing employment.

Women aspirants have also joined the sit-in in large numbers. Protesters warned that if the state government fails to respond, they will begin an indefinite hunger strike from Aug 2.

The demonstrators rejected the ongoing state-level investigation, arguing that a Criminal Investigation Department (CID) probe would not be sufficient.

Instead, they called for an independent inquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), saying only a central agency could ensure accountability and restore trust in the recruitment system. Some protesters also demanded an investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

According to an intelligence communication issued by the Special Branch on July 28, the agitation is expected to expand over the coming days.

Authorities have been alerted that hundreds of additional aspirants from across Jharkhand, along with supporters from private coaching institutes, are likely to converge in Ranchi.

The report also indicated that protesters are planning a march to the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly during the Monsoon Session on Aug 6 if their demands remain unmet.

In response, Deputy Commissioners, Superintendents of Police, and the Railway Police have been directed to strengthen surveillance, deploy additional security personnel, and closely monitor the movement of demonstrators to maintain law and order.

The ongoing agitation is being organized under the banner of the Jharkhand Public Service Commission and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission Candidates Justice Forum, which has been holding an indefinite satyagraha outside Bapu Vatika at Morabadi Ground since July 25.

Led by student leader Dinbandhu Mahato and JLKM leader Devendra Mahato, the protest has been drawing around 50 to 60 participants daily.

The forum is seeking a comprehensive investigation into the alleged recruitment irregularities, strict action against those found responsible, timely completion of recruitment drives, and reforms to ensure transparent appointments in the future.

As part of the campaign, aspirants organized a foot march from Bapu Vatika to Parmveer Albert Ekka Chowk on July 29, where they read the Preamble to the Constitution and sang the National Anthem. Protesters maintained that the movement is apolitical and focused solely on securing justice for candidates.

The issue has also reached Parliament, where BJP MPs, including representatives from Jharkhand, staged a demonstration demanding a CBI probe into the alleged JPSC paper leak and the resignation of Chief Minister Hemant Soren.

Union Minister and BJP leader Sanjay Seth also sought a CBI investigation into the allegations. Speaking outside Parliament House, he urged the Congress to withdraw support from the JMM-led government and reiterated his demand for the chief minister's resignation.

Referring to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, Seth said discussions on the proposed legislation continued in the Lok Sabha and would resume. He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi remains committed to fulfilling promises made to the country's youth.

BJP MP Bidyut Baran Mahato accused the JMM-Congress government of widespread corruption and claimed examination-related controversies had become routine in Jharkhand.

State BJP president and Rajya Sabha MP Aditya Sahu also demanded the dismissal of three JPSC members, registration of criminal cases against them, and a CBI investigation into the alleged irregularities.