Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Saturday (August 15, 2026) used his Independence Day address to assure students that their hard work would not be left at the mercy of any mafia, corrupt systems or question paper leaks as the protest in Ranchi against irregularities in State government recruitment exams entered its 22nd day.

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Addressing a gathering at Morabadi Ground in Ranchi after hoisting the Tricolour, Mr. Soren described Jharkhand’s youth as its greatest asset as the State looks to grow over the next 25 years.

He said there were lakhs of cases in which parents were spending beyond their means to educate their children, who work day and night to realise their dreams. He added, “It is my biggest responsibility to honour your hard work and ensure justice to your talent. When doubts arise about the examination system, it is not just a single exam that is affected; the trust of an entire generation is shaken."

“Today, I want to assure every student in Jharkhand that your hard work will not be left at the mercy of any mafia, corrupt system, or irregularities. Incidents of question paper leaks and examination irregularities have surfaced in many States and in various national-level exams as well. This is a serious challenge being faced by the entire country," Mr. Soren said.

Hundreds of students have been protesting for the last 22 days at Ranchi’s Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, demanding an inquiry by the CBI and action against those responsible for alleged irregularities in competitive exams for government jobs in the State, including in the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) Combined Civil Services Examination and the Jharkhand General Graduate Level Combined Competitive Examination.

Mr. Soren promised that there would be “systemic change”. He said, “We have decided not only to take action, but to bring about a systemic change. The investigation will be conducted with complete impartiality. The law will deal sternly with anyone found guilty. No matter how influential a person may be, if their involvement is proven, they will not be spared. At the same time, we will not engage in the politics of declaring anyone guilty without evidence. Justice will be served, and it will be impartial.”

The Chief Minister said the solution was not just to arrest the guilty, but to create a system where “no one dares to play with the dreams of the youth”.

“With this objective, our government is moving towards comprehensive reforms in the examination system,” he said.

Mr. Soren promised a time-bound annual examination calendar, a transparent examination system secured with the help of technology, timely availability of answer keys and OMR sheets, and multi-level accountability within the examination process.

He said that in the near future, large-scale recruitment drives would be carried out in a time-bound manner through the JPSC, JSSC (Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission), and other recruitment agencies.

“I assure you that we will establish an examination system that commands the confidence of candidates and society, a system that makes Jharkhand an example for the rest of the country," Mr. Soren said.

‘Tiranga Yatra’ by protesters

Meanwhile, the protesting students took out a “Tiranga (Tricolour) Yatra” in Ranchi city.

Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) leader Devendra Kumar Mahto, who was undergoing treatment at Ranchi Sadar Hospital, was stopped by the police when he tried to take part in the students’ yatra.

With the police not allowing him to leave the hospital, an altercation took place between police personnel and Mr. Mahto. The JLKM leader alleged that he sustained an injury to his chest while being stopped and jostled by the police. Mr. Mahto also alleged that the police assaulted his associates who were at the scene.

Published - August 15, 2026 06:32 pm IST