India: Police use water cannons on youth protesters demanding exam reform

Thousands of young people marched on the state legislature in Jharkhand, India, on Monday, leading police to use water cannons to disperse the crowd. The protesters, comprised of students and the unemployed, are demanding significant reforms to the state's civil services examination system. Their grievances include alleged question paper leaks and other irregularities, which they say have fueled widespread anger over corruption and a lack of job opportunities in one of India's poorer states.

“

Students and unemployed youth in Jharkhand, one of India's poorer states, launched protests late last month over alleged wrongdoing in state public service recruitment examinations, including test question paper leaks.

The demonstrations, which began in late July, intensified this week with thousands gathering in the state capital, Ranchi. Protesters carried placards and chanted slogans, highlighting their frustration with the recruitment process. The regional party governing Jharkhand, which opposes Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has engaged in talks with the demonstrators. The government stated that most demands have been met and expressed openness to further discussions.

“

Their demands include an overhaul of the state's examination system, cancellation of some tests and an investigation by the federal police.

These protests echo recent youth-led demonstrations in Delhi that resulted in the resignation of the country's Education Minister over leaks in the national medical entrance test. The ongoing unrest in Jharkhand underscores a national concern about the integrity of educational and employment systems, and the deep-seated frustration among young people facing limited prospects.

“

The protest follows weeks-long youth-led demonstrations in the capital Delhi that led to the resignation of the country's Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan last month over national medical entrance test paper leaks.