Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Monday assured students protesting over alleged recruitment exam irregularities that their concerns had been heard and would be addressed seriously. His statement came hours after police used water cannons, tear gas and lathi-charge during the students’ ‘Vidhan Sabha Gherao’ march in Ranchi.
Soren Says Students Have Right to Protest
In a post on X, Soren said the students had raised their demands peacefully and had every right to express their concerns in a democracy.
“You have raised your voice for your demands in a peaceful manner. In a democracy, it is your right to express your views, and it is the government’s responsibility to respect your voice,” Soren said.
The Chief Minister said the government had heard the protesters and that senior ministers had been in regular discussions with them.
“Our senior ministers have been in constant dialogue with you, and I assure you that action will be taken on your demands with utmost seriousness and sensitivity,” he said.
Government Promises Changes to Exam System
Soren also said his government was working to address weaknesses in the recruitment examination system. He said the aim was to make the system more transparent, secure and accountable.
The Chief Minister said the government wanted to create an examination system that was “more transparent, technology-enabled, secure, and accountable.”
He added that students would have an important role in helping the government bring about these changes.
Soren said Jharkhand should become an example of resolving public grievances through dialogue and practical solutions rather than prolonged confrontation.
“Let us resolve this issue together through dialogue and trust,” he said.
Soren Warns Students Against Political Influence
While appealing for calm, Soren also alleged that some Opposition leaders were trying to disrupt the students’ movement for political gains.
He urged the protesters not to be influenced by what he described as a political narrative aimed at diverting the movement.
“I appeal to you not to fall into the trap of any such political narrative,” Soren said.
The Chief Minister described students as the future of Jharkhand and said listening to their concerns was an important responsibility of the government.
Protesters Injured During Assembly March
Soren’s statement came after a tense day in Ranchi, where thousands of students and job aspirants marched towards the Jharkhand Assembly over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations.
Police used water cannons and tear gas and carried out lathi-charge after protesters breached multiple barricades during the march. Several protesters and police personnel were reportedly injured during clashes.
Student leader Devendra Nath Mahto, who had been on a hunger strike for nine days, also joined the march despite his deteriorating health. He was later admitted to Ranchi Sadar Hospital after his blood sugar level dropped sharply.
The students have been demanding action over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations, including the JPSC and JSSC examinations. The agitation has continued for several days, with protesters seeking greater transparency and accountability in the recruitment process.
The government has maintained that discussions with the students are ongoing, while promising to examine their concerns within the legal and constitutional framework.
