Thousands of students and job aspirants protesting alleged irregularities in Jharkhand’s recruitment examinations took out a ‘Tiranga Yatra’ in Ranchi on Saturday to mark India’s 80th Independence Day, even as their agitation entered its 22nd day.
The march began from the protest site at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium and proceeded towards Albert Ekka Chowk, with participants carrying the Tricolour and raising patriotic slogans including “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram”.
The protesters, under the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch, have been demanding greater transparency in recruitment examinations, cancellation of certain tests and an independent investigation into alleged irregularities by the CBI or a panel of retired judges from outside Jharkhand.
Hunger-striking protesters seek to join march
Two students who have been observing hunger strikes also sought to participate in the Tiranga Yatra despite being admitted to Ranchi Sadar Hospital after their health deteriorated.
Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha leader Devendra Nath Mahto, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike since August 2, alleged that police prevented him from leaving the hospital to join the Independence Day march.
Mahto alleged that security personnel stopped and manhandled him when he attempted to leave his hospital room. He also claimed that some of his associates were assaulted. Police and administrative officials, however, cited his health condition while restricting him from leaving the hospital.
Student activist Umme Habiba, who has also been on hunger strike, emerged from her hospital room in a wheelchair carrying a copy of the Constitution and sought to participate in the march. She was also not permitted to leave the hospital premises.
Another protesting student, Rupesh, who was on his 13th day of hunger strike, participated in the march in a wheelchair. He said the support and affection received from people had given the protesters renewed energy.
Protesters link Independence with rights and opportunity
The student protesters said they were observing Independence Day by highlighting issues concerning equal opportunity, transparency and justice for young people.
“Independence doesn’t just mean freedom from the British, but also freedom from inequality of opportunities, corruption and injustice,” the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch said, calling on young people to study, work hard and raise their voices peacefully for their rights.
The agitation has continued for 22 days, with the protesters seeking reforms in the state’s recruitment examination system and action over alleged irregularities in examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC).
The deadlock between the protesters and the government remains unresolved despite three rounds of talks.
CM Hemant Soren assures students of action
Earlier, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren assured job aspirants that their hard work would not be allowed to suffer because of alleged paper leaks, corruption or irregularities.
Soren said the government had a responsibility to protect the interests of young people who were working hard to secure employment and assured them that their aspirations would be respected.
“When doubts arise, it is not just a single exam that is affected; the trust of an entire generation is shaken,” he said, adding that the government would ensure that the hard work of students was not left at the mercy of any “mafia, corrupt system, or irregularity.”
(With agency inputs)
