Ranchi: The ongoing student agitation in Jharkhand over alleged irregularities in government recruitment examinations intensified on Monday, August 10, as protesters moved towards the State Assembly premises.

A large group of job aspirants reportedly broke through police barricades while attempting to reach the Assembly. In response, security personnel used tear gas shells, water cannons and baton charges to disperse the protesters and prevent them from advancing further.

Among those taking part in the protest was Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) leader Devendra Nath Mahto, who has been on a hunger strike for the past nine days demanding action over alleged examination irregularities.

Despite reportedly losing around 10.5 kg during the hunger strike, Mahto joined the march alongside the protesting students. He was seen carrying a portrait of former Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren.

Government Agrees to Cancel Certain JPSC Exams

The latest escalation came a day after the Jharkhand government announced decisions on some of the protesters' demands following nearly six hours of discussions with student representatives on Sunday.

The government agreed to cancel the 14th JPSC Preliminary Examination as well as the JPSC backlog examinations conducted in 2023 and 2025.

However, the announcement failed to end the agitation. Student groups continue to demand a CBI investigation into alleged irregularities in the JSSC-CGL examination and have made it clear that they will continue their protest until their key demands are addressed.

The development also came after all three members of the Jharkhand Public Service Commission resigned. Chief Minister Hemant Soren assured the protesting students that the process would be handled transparently and that justice would be ensured.

Protesters Demand Action Over Blacklisted Agency

The Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) and the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch have raised broader concerns over the examination system.

The groups are demanding the cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examination along with other examinations associated with TSR Data Processing Private Limited, which they allege is a blacklisted agency.

The protesters are seeking an independent investigation into the examination process, alleged irregularities and the role of agencies involved in conducting the exams.

With the demand for a CBI probe still unresolved, the student agitation continues to put pressure on the Jharkhand government. Heavy security has been deployed around the Assembly as authorities attempt to prevent further escalation.