Ranchi, August 6, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Jharkhand Health and Medical Education Minister Irfan Ansari on Thursday rejected allegations of paper leaks in the state recruitment examinations and said the concerns raised by protesting aspirants could be resolved through dialogue.
His remarks came as protests against alleged irregularities in Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) examinations entered the 13th day in Ranchi, with support from several student organisations across the state.
The agitation continued at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, where representatives of various student groups gathered to extend support to the protesting candidates and demand reforms in the recruitment process.
Speaking to reporters, Ansari said, “I want to say again that there has been no paper leak in Jharkhand. This is not Uttar Pradesh, not Bihar, and not Gujarat. This is Jharkhand, and we are concerned about it.”
The minister claimed that the state government had taken action wherever irregularities were found.
“Whatever irregularities have occurred, action has been taken against them. Jharkhand is the only state which has taken action against the accused. Name one BJP-ruled state where action was taken? Our Chief Minister has shown generosity,” he said.
On the protesters’ demand for cancellation of the JPSC examination, Ansari said such a decision could trigger another round of protests from candidates who had cleared the examination.
“People are saying that JPSC should be cancelled. However, if it happens, then the students who have qualified for JPSC will also sit in protest tomorrow, demanding that the examination paper should not be cancelled. There are some mistakes, and we can correct them. Every problem can be resolved through discussion,” he said.
The protest, led mainly by JPSC aspirants, has intensified over the past two weeks. Despite continuous overnight rainfall, protesters remained at the venue and said they would continue the agitation until their demands were addressed.
Student leader Devendra Mahto also continued his indefinite hunger strike, while other protesters stayed at the demonstration site through the night despite adverse weather conditions.
Meanwhile, a delegation of protesting students has been given an appointment to hold discussions with representatives of the Jharkhand government on Thursday.
The meeting is being closely watched as students hope that dialogue with the government will lead to a resolution of their grievances.
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