Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
The agitation over alleged irregularities in Jharkhand’s recruitment examinations intensified on Sunday, with members of the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch burning effigies of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav at Ranchi’s Albert Ekka Chowk, accusing key allies of the Hemant Soren-led government of failing to act on their demands for recruitment reforms and a probe into alleged exam irregularities.
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The effigy-burning was carried out as part of a pre-announced protest programme. Demonstrators said they had spent weeks pursuing their demands through peaceful and democratic means but had not received a satisfactory response from the government.
The student-led movement, which entered its 23rd day, is demanding a CBI probe into alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations, cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examination, action against those responsible, and greater transparency in the state’s recruitment process.
Earlier in the day, protesters took out a torchlight procession from Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium to Albert Ekka Chowk, where the effigies were set ablaze. Similar protests were reported from several districts across Jharkhand.
The forum alleged that despite being part of the ruling alliance, Congress and RJD leaders had failed to exert pressure on the government to address the concerns of job aspirants. Protesters also questioned Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s support for students, claiming that no concrete action had followed his statements.
The agitation has steadily gained momentum over the past three weeks, with students maintaining a continuous sit-in and several participants remaining on an indefinite hunger strike. The protesters have accused the government of delaying decisive action while thousands of aspirants remain uncertain about their future.
Meanwhile, the Jharkhand government has invited representatives of the protesting students for another round of talks on Monday. The meeting, scheduled at the State Guest House, will be the seventh round of discussions between the two sides. Previous talks have failed to produce a breakthrough.
The state government has announced a series of measures aimed at improving transparency in recruitment examinations, including a time-bound examination calendar, technology-enabled safeguards, timely publication of answer keys and OMR sheets, and stricter accountability mechanisms. Chief Minister Hemant Soren has also assured that allegations of irregularities will be investigated impartially and that those found guilty will face action.
However, the protesters remain unconvinced and have warned that the agitation will intensify if their demands are not met. Forum leader Ravindra Paswan said the movement would shift from Gandhian methods to a more aggressive phase if the government continued to ignore their concerns. He questioned why Congress leader Rahul Gandhi could not compel the government to act if he genuinely supported the students. Paswan also reiterated the forum’s ultimatum, warning that if their demands are not accepted by August 18, protesters will gherao the Chief Minister’s residence in Ranchi on August 20.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
