In brief
In Ranchi, Jharkhand, a surge of young job seekers has turned into a hunger strike after a leaked civil service exam exam raised doubts about fairness. The protest began on 25 July and has drawn political backing from both BJP and Congress. Stakeholders demand oversight by the Central Bureau of Investigation and call for transparent examinations and swift recruitment. The movement echoes the 2024 Delhi protests, tapping into broader youth angst over examination integrity and job prospects. The protesters, led by figures like Umme Habiba and Devendra Mahto, insist on an investigation they can trust and a system that delivers on promises.
Agricultural Student and Run‑off Candidates Stage Hunger Strike in Ranchi
Hundreds of job seekers have set up a long‑running protest in the Jharkhand capital of Ranchi. They gathered on 25 July at a stadium and have been sleeping, camping, and on hunger strike since. Their main demand is the cancellation of the preliminary civil service examination held in April and a fresh test that is fair and free of manipulation.
A key trigger was leaked answer sheets that appeared on social media. Candidates claimed that successful test takers answered far fewer questions than expected, forcing them to fill blanks later on. Many protesters now doubt the integrity of the exam and the results.
The state’s Recruitments Inspectorate and Criminal Investigation Department are investigating. The chairman of the Jharkhand Public Service Commission resigned on 22 July and is being questioned. Officials have offered to hold talks, but the protesters formed an 11‑member delegation and insist that the investigation be run by a trusted federal agency.
Beyond the exam, protesters seek a broader probe into alleged hiring irregularities and long‑delayed recruitment. They want a system that delivers on promises and allows candidates to move out of dependence on family.
Support is coming from both political camps. The opposition BJP has backed the protest and called for a federal investigation. The ruling Congress has also expressed sympathy. The movement’s leaders, including former election candidate Devendra Nath Mahto and young student Umme Habiba, insist that it remains an independent youth movement free from party colours.
