Thousands of students and job aspirants marched towards the Jharkhand Vidhan Sabha in Ranchi on Monday, August 10, demanding action over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC). The protest, which entered its 17th day, coincided with Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s birthday and came after talks between student representatives and the state government failed to resolve the deadlock.
Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) leader Devendra Nath Mahto, who has been on hunger strike for nine days, joined the march in an ambulance and appealed to protesters to remain peaceful. Tensions nevertheless escalated as police used water cannons and reportedly resorted to lathi-charge when demonstrators attempted to move towards the Assembly.
The government maintains that it has accepted around 98% of the students’ demands, while protesters say key demands, including a CBI investigation, remain unresolved.
Mahto Joins Students’ March
Mahto joined the protesters despite his deteriorating health after continuing his hunger strike for nine days. He arrived at the protest site in an ambulance and then accompanied the students during their march towards the Assembly.
Reports said he had lost around 10 kg during the fast and was experiencing health complications. Addressing the protesters, Mahto urged them not to lose their composure and stressed that the movement should remain peaceful. His participation came amid heightened security around the Assembly, with barricades and barbed-wire fencing put up within a wide security zone to prevent protesters from reaching the building.
Mahto also appealed to the authorities and students to avoid a confrontation, saying that the focus should remain on the students’ demands. His remarks came on Soren’s birthday, with Mahto stressing that the protest should not become an occasion for personal attacks or violence.
Why Are Jharkhand Students On The Streets?
The agitation centres on allegations of irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted by JPSC and JSSC, with aspirants demanding greater transparency and accountability in the recruitment process. Students have sought cancellation of examinations they believe were affected by irregularities, along with an independent investigation into the allegations.
The state government, however, has maintained that it has addressed most of their concerns. According to reports, the government has agreed to cancel the 14th JPSC examination and proposed an Enforcement Directorate investigation into alleged financial irregularities.
It has also proposed a committee headed by a retired High Court judge to examine the JSSC-CGL issue and suggested involving institutions such as IIT-ISM Dhanbad and IIM Ranchi in broader examination reforms. Protesters continue to insist that a CBI probe is necessary and say the government’s offer does not fully address their demands.
The dispute has also led to political pressure, with three JPSC members resigning after being summoned by the state CID in connection with allegations surrounding the examinations. Meanwhile, Soren has said his government is willing to pursue dialogue and ensure justice and transparency rather than suppress dissent.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Students spend years preparing for competitive examinations, often putting their careers, finances and family expectations on the line. Any allegation of irregularity in such examinations can therefore have consequences extending far beyond a single test or recruitment cycle.
The students’ demand for a fair and transparent recruitment system deserves to be heard, while protests must remain peaceful and respectful of public safety. Equally, the government has a responsibility to respond to genuine grievances with clear timelines, independent scrutiny where necessary and publicly verifiable action. The use of force during a student protest can deepen mistrust, while prolonged protests can also cause disruption if dialogue breaks down.
Mahto’s appeal for calm is important in this context: disagreement need not become confrontation. On a day when Jharkhand’s Chief Minister is celebrating his birthday, could both the government and protesting students use dialogue, transparency and restraint to find a lasting solution?
Despite being unwell, Jharkhand student leader Devendra Nath Mahto reportedly left for the Jharkhand Assembly in an ambulance, determined to raise his voice over students’ demands.
— The Logical Indian (@LogicalIndians) August 10, 2026
👉Students’ Demands Take Centre Stage
The development comes amid a major student protɇst in Ranchi… pic.twitter.com/WZ5xuYrjtg
