Ranchi: Jharkhand students storm capital over JPSC exam cancellations amid protest crackdown
Jharkhand's capital Ranchi became the focal point of student unrest this week as thousands of aspirants marched demanding reinstatement of cancelled JPSC and JSSC competitive examinations. The BJP called out the state government for barricading the Chief Minister's residence against peaceful student demonstrators, while Devendra Mahato launched a hunger strike to amplify the demands.
🗳️ Students March on CM House Over JPSC/JSSC Exam Cancellations
Thousands of students from across Jharkhand converged on Ranchi demanding that the state government reinstate competitive examinations cancelled by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission. Protesters attempted to march to the state Vidhan Sabha and the Chief Minister's residence but were met with barricades erected by security forces around the CM house. The BJP publicly questioned the government, asking why it feared student protesters. Hunger striker Devendra Mahato drew significant attention to the movement, with his fast becoming a symbol of youth frustration over postponed recruitment processes. The examinations in question govern entry into coveted state government jobs, and their cancellation has left tens of thousands of aspirants in limbo for months. Ranchi witnessed heavy police deployment as the protest evolved into a live news event covered nationally. [8]
🗳️ Jharkhand HC Reserves Order on JPSC Exam Cancellation Pleas
The Jharkhand High Court reserved its order on petitions challenging the state's cancellation of JPSC competitive examinations, raising the stakes for thousands of candidates waiting to know if the cancelled tests will be reinstated or if fresh recruitment will be announced. The case has emerged as one of the most consequential education and employment disputes in the state in recent years. Lawyers for the petitioners argued that the cancellation deprived qualified candidates of a fair opportunity, while the state defended its decision on procedural and integrity grounds. A ruling by the High Court will likely determine whether the government must resume the examination process or take alternative steps. The reservation of orders comes at a moment of peak public pressure, with street protests in Ranchi running in parallel with the litigation. [6]
🤝 Jharkhand Doctors Strike Over Career Progression Stalls
Doctors employed in Jharkhand's state health services launched a statewide protest to demand resolution of long-pending career progression issues. The agitation reflects broader dissatisfaction among government healthcare workers who say promotions, posting policies, and service conditions have remained stagnant. The strike comes at a particularly sensitive time for Jharkhand's health sector, which is simultaneously preparing to launch postgraduate DNB courses at five district hospitals on a pilot basis. Doctors said repeated representations to the health department have gone unanswered. The protest affected routine outpatient and administrative functions at multiple state-run health facilities. Medical associations backing the strike warned of an escalation if the government did not respond with a formal engagement within a fixed deadline. Health officials indicated discussions were underway but gave no firm commitments on timelines. [3]
Five Booked for Alleged Assault of Dalit Woman in Ranchi
Ranchi police booked five individuals — Amrendra Kumar, his wife Remi Devi, their two sons, and an associate — for allegedly assaulting a Dalit woman and using casteist slurs against her. According to the woman's complaint, the accused had been denying her access to their well for water since July 23, 2026, culminating in a physical assault and verbal abuse on October 10. Police confirmed that the well is located on the accused's property, but noted that the allegations of assault and casteist humiliation are still under investigation. Officers said appropriate action will follow once the probe is concluded. The case drew attention from local Dalit rights groups who called for prompt action. The incident highlights persistent challenges of caste-based access disputes in urban and peri-urban Jharkhand. [2]
Sources: [8] The Times of India · [6] The Times of India · [3] The Times of India · [2] Daily Pioneer