The student agitation in Jharkhand is expected to intensify on Monday as protesters prepare to gherao the Vidhan Sabha in Ranchi at 10 am. The students are demanding the cancellation of the CGL examination and a CBI investigation into allegations of irregularities in the recruitment process.
With tensions continuing between the state government and protesting students, the Ranchi administration has imposed prohibitory restrictions around the New Assembly and deployed nearly 1,500 security personnel to maintain law and order.
The protest, led by the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch, has been continuing since July 25. Here are the key developments surrounding the Jharkhand CGL protest.
1. Students Plan Vidhan Sabha Gherao at 10 AM
Protesting students have announced a large-scale gherao of the Jharkhand Vidhan Sabha in Ranchi, scheduled to begin at 10 am. The ongoing movement is being organised under the banner of the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch.
Student groups have said they will continue their agitation until their key demands are addressed by the government.
2. Cancellation of CGL Exam Remains the Main Demand
The protesters have made it clear that cancelling the CGL examination remains their central demand. Student leader Ravindar Paswan said there would be no compromise on the issue.
Apart from the cancellation, students are also demanding a CBI probe into the alleged irregularities linked to the examination.
3. Students Reject Government’s Proposal for Judicial Inquiry
The Jharkhand government had proposed a judicial inquiry led by a retired judge to investigate the CGL examination controversy. However, student representatives rejected the proposal.
They have maintained that only an investigation by the CBI would ensure a fair and impartial probe. The disagreement over the nature of the investigation continues to be one of the main obstacles to resolving the standoff.
4. Heavy Security Deployed in Ranchi
Security has been significantly increased across Ranchi ahead of the planned Vidhan Sabha gherao. Around 1,500 personnel have been deployed, including members of the Rapid Action Police, Indian Reserve Battalion, district police and Quick Reaction Teams.
Authorities are also using drones to monitor the situation. A dedicated team has been stationed at the Police Control Room to track developments and respond quickly if required.
5. Prohibitory Orders Imposed Near New Assembly
The administration has enforced prohibitory orders within a 750-metre radius of the New Assembly building.
Students and members of the public have been urged to avoid violence and refrain from participating in unlawful gatherings. Barricades have also been placed at several locations on the route connecting the Old Assembly and the New Assembly.
6. Several Schools Announce Holiday
Several schools in Ranchi have declared a holiday in view of the proposed protest and heightened security arrangements.
The decision was taken as authorities prepared for possible traffic disruptions and restrictions caused by the expected large gathering near the Assembly.
7. Government Agrees to Consider Cancelling Three JPSC Exams
The Hemant Soren-led government has agreed to consider the cancellation of three examinations—the 14th JPSC examination, JPSC Backlog 2023 and JPSC Backlog 2025.
The state government has said that it has accepted or agreed to examine a substantial number of the demands raised by students.
8. CID Probe, Possible ED Investigation and Fast-Track Court Proposed
The government has proposed several steps to investigate the allegations and reform the recruitment process.
These include a CID investigation into examinations conducted by the TDPL agency. An Enforcement Directorate (ED) probe could also be initiated if financial irregularities or a money trail are found.
The government has additionally proposed a fast-track court to deal with cases connected to alleged examination irregularities.
9. 19 People Arrested in Connection With Alleged Irregularities
The investigation into alleged irregularities in the results of the 14th JPSC preliminary examination is continuing.
The CID team is expected to question former JPSC member Ajita Bhattacharya as part of the investigation. So far, 19 people have been arrested in connection with the case.
The JPSC chairman and other members have also resigned amid the ongoing controversy.
10. Hemant Soren Calls for Dialogue as BJP Steps Up Attack
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has appealed to students to settle the issue through discussions rather than confrontation.
The government has also launched the “Students’ Voice, With Students” initiative, seeking suggestions from students and other stakeholders on reforms to the state’s recruitment and examination system.
Meanwhile, the BJP has intensified its criticism of the Hemant Soren government, questioning its handling of the protest and raising concerns over the security arrangements, including the use of wires and barricades.
With students preparing for the Vidhan Sabha gherao and both sides standing firm on key demands, the situation remains tense. The coming developments will be crucial in determining whether dialogue can end the protest or whether the agitation over the CGL examination and alleged recruitment irregularities will escalate further.