The ongoing agitation over alleged irregularities in the 14th Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) Civil Services Preliminary Examination gathered further momentum on Saturday, with students intensifying their protest and demanding cancellation of the examination, a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe, and sweeping reforms in the state’s recruitment system.
The movement, which has continued in Ranchi for over a week, entered a new phase after Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) leader Devendra Nath Mahato launched an indefinite hunger strike in support of the protesting aspirants.
The latest escalation comes despite the Jharkhand government ordering a Criminal Investigation Department (CID) inquiry into the alleged irregularities surrounding the examination.
Mahato Begins Indefinite Hunger Strike
Addressing students at the protest site, Mahato said he had met Chief Minister Hemant Soren and placed the aspirants’ demands before the government.
According to reports, while welcoming the decision to initiate a CID investigation, Mahato maintained that an inquiry alone would not restore the confidence of candidates unless the examination was cancelled.
He announced that his indefinite fast would continue until the government annulled the preliminary examination and initiated comprehensive reforms in the functioning of the JPSC to ensure transparency and accountability in future recruitment.
Students Renew Demand for CBI Investigation
Student organisations participating in the agitation reiterated their demand for an independent investigation by a central agency such as the CBI, arguing that only an external probe would ensure an impartial inquiry into the alleged irregularities.
Protesters claimed that the credibility of the recruitment process had been severely affected and called for a transparent investigation to identify those responsible.
The demand for a CBI inquiry has remained one of the central demands of the movement since allegations first surfaced regarding the conduct of the preliminary examination.
Questions Raised Over Private Agency’s Role
As part of the protest, several aspirants also questioned the role of TSR Data Processing Ltd. (TDPL), the private agency associated with conducting the examination.
According to reports, protesters alleged that entrusting examination-related work to the company despite concerns over its past record had raised serious questions about transparency and accountability.
These allegations are currently part of the ongoing investigation, and no judicial or investigative authority has yet established any wrongdoing by the company.
Movement Expands Beyond a Single Examination
The agitation has witnessed growing participation from students and job aspirants across Jharkhand, with protesters asserting that the issue extends beyond the 14th JPSC examination and reflects wider concerns regarding the credibility of recruitment examinations conducted in the state.
Demonstrators said repeated controversies surrounding recruitment examinations have eroded public confidence and highlighted the need for structural reforms in both the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC).
Key Demands of the Protesters
The protesting students have placed several demands before the state government, including:
Cancellation of the 14th JPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination.
A CBI investigation into the alleged irregularities.
Comprehensive reforms in the functioning of JPSC and JSSC.
Greater transparency in examination, evaluation and recruitment processes.
Strict accountability for officials, agencies or individuals found responsible for any irregularities.
Student leaders have said the agitation will continue until these demands are addressed.
Peaceful Protest Continues
The protest movement has so far remained centred around peaceful demonstrations, including sit-ins, satyagraha and the ongoing indefinite hunger strike.
Participants said they would continue their agitation until the government announced concrete action on the issues raised by aspirants.
The hunger strike has further intensified pressure on the state government as the movement continues to attract support from students and various organisations.
CID Investigation Underway
The controversy began after allegations of irregularities surfaced in connection with the 14th JPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination.
Following mounting pressure from students and opposition parties, the Jharkhand government ordered a CID investigation into the matter.
As per reports, the CID has conducted searches at JPSC offices and locations linked to the examination process, seized electronic records, questioned senior officials and arrested several individuals as part of the investigation.
Amid the ongoing probe, the commission also postponed the scheduled Civil Services Main Examination.
Authorities have maintained that the investigation is still underway, and no final conclusions have yet been reached regarding the allegations of irregularities in the recruitment process.
