Student Unrest Persists Across India Over Recruitment Exam Irregularities

Student protests over recruitment examination irregularities continue to persist across several Indian states, reflecting a broader challenge to the government regarding the integrity of the national testing system. In Jharkhand, protests erupted after the government cancelled recruitment exams following 25 days of student agitation. While the Jharkhand High Court later stayed the cancellation to protect those who had already secured jobs, the decision sparked further discontent. The movement in Jharkhand split into two factions: the JPSC-JSSC Reform Manch, which returned to the streets and faced police action, and the JPSC-JSSC Abhyarthi Nyay Manch, which launched a statewide reform yatra. In Bihar, thousands of students clashed with police in Patna while demanding that the BPSC Teachers Recruitment Examination be conducted in a single stage. Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, accused the BJP-led Bihar government of using police force, including water cannons and batons, to suppress students and evade accountability. Meanwhile, in Maharashtra, a political row emerged after the MPSC cancelled the recruitment process for Drug Inspector posts due to alleged malpractice. Opposition leaders in Maharashtra have alleged that papers were sold for 40 lakh rupees through an agent racket and questioned why the government has not registered an FIR despite evidence of a leak. These regional events follow a period of nationwide demonstrations that previously led to the resignation of the country's education minister.