Ranchi witnessed fierce protests as thousands of Jharkhand Combined Graduate Level (CGL) exam candidates raised their voices against alleged irregularities surrounding the examination results. The protests gathered steam mainly on December 10, 2024, when students took to the streets of Hazaribagh, drawing attention to their serious concerns about the alleged manipulation and favoritism permeated through the selection process.
Students claimed they found the results of the exam, conducted by the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC), riddled with discrepancies and favoritism toward candidates from influential backgrounds. With the government’s integrity on the line, the outrage was palpable as they confronted the local authorities, demanding immediate intervention.
Protesters gathered near the JPSC office, raising placards and chanting slogans denouncing the selection process. "The selection list is suspicious," remarked one student, who chose to remain anonymous, asserting, "Candidates with higher scores were left out, whilst others with lower marks made it through. We demand transparency and accountability!"
The protests were not just limited to Hazaribagh; similar demonstrations extended across different cities within the state, uniting students under the common cause for reform. Reports indicated disruptions along National Highway 33 near the Konar Bridge, causing significant traffic jams as protestors blocked the road for nearly three hours.
The CGL exam itself was marketed as pivotal; over 300,000 candidates vying for around 2,025 government posts took part. Allegations of malpractice post-examination raised eyebrows quickly, leading to the formation of the investigation committee by the JSSC. Nonetheless, after the results were announced on December 4, the protests intensified, prompting angry responses from the student body.
Against the expectations and hopes of many, 2,231 candidates made it to the certificate verification stage, far exceeding the advertised vacancies. Dungri MLA Jairam "Tiger" Mahato took the floor of the assembly, taking the opportunity to interject on behalf of the students' plight and calling for the Chief Minister to meet with the protesting aspirants. "These protestors are the state’s children," he emphasized in his opening remarks during his maiden speech.
Aside from tackling the injustices of the CGL exam, Mahato also brought attention to another pressing issue: 45 Jharkhand workers stranded abroad amid international crises. This interconnection of concerns demonstrates the significant role government representatives play, not only locally but on international platforms as well.
Protest leaders like Uday Mehta were vocal against the alleged malpractices, claiming the exam process suffered from severe flaws such as paper leaks and repeated questions from previously canceled exams. The rising chorus for accountability sees local political figures like Babulal Marandi, the president of Jharkhand's BJP, urging the Chief Minister to mandate a CBI probe. He accused the exam authorities of corruption, insisting, "Roll numbers were sold," driving home the sentiment shared widely among frustrated students.
The mass demonstrations reflect broader concerns about recruitment standards and the students’ demand for transparency resonate deeply within the communities affected. Many of these young aspirants have invested significant amounts of time and money preparing for these competitive exams and feel betrayed by the system they believed would be fair.
Local authorities attempted to maintain order amid the chaos, deploying police to disperse the demonstrations and manage the growing tension surrounding the protests. A few demonstrators submitted memorandums outlining their grievances, emphasizing the need for justice and equitable treatment for all candidates.
The JSSC and the state government have yet to offer substantial responses to the mounting protests and concerns, leaving many students anxious about their future and the integrity of the examination process. The situation has escalated from mere protests to a significant political issue, requiring immediate action and resolution.
While the government has remained relatively silent, calls for reforms echo loudly among the aggrieved students, urging regulatory measures to promote accountability and honesty within the competitive exam framework. The collective outcry signifies more than just dissatisfaction with the exam results; it embodies the aspirations and hope of the youth grappling with the tumultuous reality of competitive education and employment.
Moving forward, the leading student organizations and aspiring candidates continue to rally for their cause, emphasizing unity and determination as they demand fundamental changes to the recruitment process, aiming for fairness and transparency.