‘Govt Is Not Listening, Now Jail Bharo Andolan’: Jharkhand Students Turn Up Heat in Ranchi

Ranchi: In Jharkhand, the students' agitation is continuously gaining momentum over alleged irregularities in the recruitment examinations of JPSC and JSSC. The ongoing protest at Ranchi's Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium reached its 23rd day on Sunday. Students allege that irregularities in recruitment examinations have played with the future of the youth. The agitators are now adamant on the demand of cancellation of the examination, independent investigation of the entire matter and improvement in the recruitment process. Meanwhile, protesting student Prem Nayak has suggested going beyond the siege of the Chief Minister's residence and starting a 'Jail Bharo Andolan'.

Are there preparations now for 'jail bharo movement'?

Student Prem Nayak, who is on hunger strike, said that the government is not taking his demands seriously. He told that Sunday is the 23rd day of the movement and the 13th day of his hunger strike. According to Nayak, his health is deteriorating and he has also got fever. He says that if the government continues to ignore it like this then 'Jail Bharo Andolan' could be a more effective option than gheraoing the Chief Minister's residence. He also talked about considering options like closing schools and colleges.

What is the biggest demand of students?

The agitating students are demanding cancellation of JSSC-CGL and controversies-ridden JPSC examinations. Along with this, they are insisting on getting the alleged irregularities investigated by CBI. Student leaders say that the investigation should be done through such an agency or system, which does not raise any questions on its impartiality. Some student organisations have also kept the option of conducting the investigation under the supervision of retired judges from outside Jharkhand.

What is going to happen on 20th August?

The students have announced a siege of the Ranchi residence of Chief Minister Hemant Soren on August 20. The agitators have said that if a concrete decision is not taken on their demands, they will reach the chief minister's residence in large numbers. The students' forum has also raised the demand for the resignation of the chief minister. The next phase of the movement was announced after the Tiranga Yatra taken out in Ranchi on 15 August.

Why was the decision taken to burn effigies in 24 districts?

Student leaders have announced a programme to burn effigies of Chief Minister Hemant Soren and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi at all 24 district headquarters of Jharkhand on August 16. The protesters allege that JMM and Congress, which are in power, are not taking concrete steps on their demands. The students have also told Rahul Gandhi that if the chief minister is not listening to them then Congress should withdraw its support from the government.

What happened during the first assembly siege?

On August 10, students had surrounded the Jharkhand Assembly. During this time there was a situation of confrontation between the protesters and the police. The police used water cannon and tear gas to control the crowd, while later lathicharge also came to light. After this incident the movement intensified further. Information has also come to light that FIR has been registered against about 600 people in the case related to police action.

What assurance has the government given to the students?

Chief Minister Hemant Soren said on August 15 that his government will make changes in the system of recruitment examinations and transparency will be ensured in the examinations of JPSC-JSSC. He said that the future of the youth will not be allowed to be affected by any kind of irregularity. The government has also talked about starting the initiative 'Students Ki Baat-Students Saath' to interact with students and improve the education system. However, no decision has yet been taken on the major demands of the students, which could end the movement completely.