Rahul Gandhi backs Jharkhand protest over job exam row: ‘Every Govt must listen to students’

Rahul Gandhi backs Jharkhand protest over job exam row

Theindiapostdaily.com – Congress leader Rahul Gandhi backs Jharkhand protest as students in Ranchi continue their demonstration over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations. The Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition emphasized that every government must listen to student voices and implement necessary reforms in the education sector.

As a coalition partner in the Jharkhand administration led by the JMM, the Congress has pledged ongoing support for the demonstrators. Party officials have been working to address student grievances and secure fair outcomes for those challenging the examination process.

Gandhi’s Social Media Response

During an interactive session on Instagram, Gandhi was asked to endorse the Jharkhand student movement. His response highlighted broader concerns about the nation’s educational framework and the need for systemic changes.

“The student protests happening in the country are against the education system. I have stated it clearly in Kota and Dehradun, and will say it in Allahabad: our education system has collapsed; it is unaffordable and oppressive.”

The Congress leader further noted that governmental bodies at various levels must respond to student concerns. He stressed that whether it is the Central government, Jharkhand government, or a Congress government, all should listen to what students are saying.

Party Leadership and Government Engagement

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge affirmed the party’s commitment to student causes irrespective of political alignments. He stated that Rahul Gandhi and the party leadership are with the students in Jharkhand, Punjab, Delhi, and anywhere else.

Earlier on Thursday, AICC coordinator for Jharkhand, K Raju, reported that state party officials met with Chief Minister Hemant Soren. They presented a memorandum outlining student requirements and sought immediate action on the examination irregularities.

“We thanked the chief minister for his empathetic positive action for constituting a ministerial committee to consult with protesting students and recommend concrete solutions,” Raju stated on X.

Raju also highlighted that youth and student wings of the Congress in the state—namely the Indian Youth Congress and National Students’ Union of India—have expressed complete solidarity with the demonstrators.

Context of the Ranchi Demonstration

The Ranchi protest marking its thirteenth day featured six participants undertaking a hunger strike. An eleven-member delegation was constituted to engage in discussions with authorities to break the deadlock.

Initiated on July 25 beneath the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch banner at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, this has become one of the most significant student-driven movements in Jharkhand’s recent history. The choice to pursue dialogue came after CM Soren indicated his administration’s willingness to receive the demonstrators.

Student Demands and Official Response

Demonstrators are calling for the cancellation of the fourteenth Jharkhand PSC Civil Services Examination alongside an independent investigation into the claimed examination irregularities. They want either the Central Bureau of Investigation or a panel of retired high court judges from outside the state to conduct the inquiry.

Chief Minister Soren posted on X that his government is treating student concerns with maximum seriousness. He confirmed that investigative bodies are operating continuously and individuals implicated in the alleged malpractices are being imprisoned.

“Our objective is not just to investigate but to provide a permanent solution to students’ concerns,” Soren said, adding that the state government’s doors remained open for them to present their demands and suggestions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main issue in the Jharkhand job exam protest? Students are protesting over alleged irregularities in the JPSC and JSSC recruitment examinations, demanding cancellation of the fourteenth Jharkhand PSC Civil Services Examination.

How long has the protest been ongoing? The Ranchi protest has been marking its thirteenth day as of the latest reports, with six participants undertaking a hunger strike.

What role has Rahul Gandhi played in this protest? Rahul Gandhi backs Jharkhand protest through public statements on social media and Congress party support, emphasizing that every government must listen to students.

What solution has the Jharkhand government proposed? Chief Minister Hemant Soren announced the formation of a ministerial committee to consult with protesting students and recommend concrete solutions to the examination issues.

Which organizations are supporting the students? The Congress party, Indian Youth Congress, and National Students’ Union of India have all expressed solidarity with the demonstrators.