Indian police use force to disperse youth protesters calling for exam overhaul

Thousands of young job-seekers protested in Jharkhand, India, clashing with police who used water cannon, teargas, and batons to disperse them. The demonstrators were demanding an independent investigation into alleged irregularities, including exam paper leaks and cheating, in recruitment drives for coveted government jobs. They accuse authorities of failing to ensure fair opportunities in a state with high unemployment. The protests escalated into a march on the state legislature in Ranchi. The state government claims to have accepted most demands and is open to further negotiations. The unrest highlights widespread youth frustration over corruption in public examinations and a shortage of good jobs.

Protesters in Ranchi, the capital of India's Jharkhand state, demonstrated on Monday demanding an overhaul of the state's examination system due to alleged irregularities in government recruitment exams, including test question leaks. Students marched towards the Legislative Assembly, where riot police deployed water cannon and barricades to disrupt the demonstration. The protesters are calling for the cancellation of some tests and a federal police investigation. In response to the ongoing protests, the Jharkhand state government agreed to cancel the 14th Jharkhand Public Service Commission preliminary exam and two backlog recruitment tests, while three JPSC board members resigned after being questioned by state investigators. At least six protesters are on an indefinite hunger strike.

In Jharkhand, India, police deployed tear gas, water cannons, and batons against thousands of students and job seekers protesting for reforms to government recruitment exams. The demonstrators, who have been protesting for over two weeks, attempted to reach the state assembly in Ranchi. Officials stated that while most protesters were peaceful, a smaller group breached barricades and threw stones, leading to police action. Three police officers were reported injured, and some protesters sustained injuries, though the exact number is unclear. The City Superintendent of Police indicated that minimal force was used for a short duration, emphasizing that the government was receiving their demands.