The All India Student Association (AISA) and the Revolutionary Youth Association organized road blockades and staged protests in several parts of Jharkhand on Tuesday. The demonstrations were against the state higher and technical education department's proposed clustering and restructuring of colleges and universities, the NEET question paper leak, and alleged irregularities in the CBSE on-screen marking for Class 12 examinations.
Ranchi Protest
In the state capital Ranchi, the outfits blocked traffic for two hours at Albert Ekka Chowk, a major intersection. AISA state president Pushpa Deep stated, "Clustering and restructuring of universities and colleges would lead to privatization of education." The protesters demanded the withdrawal of the proposed policy.
Protests Across Districts
Similar protests were held in Palamu, Giridih, Dhanbad, Hazaribag, and Chatra districts. In these areas, students and activists gathered at key locations to voice their opposition. They raised slogans against the government's education policies and demanded transparency in examination processes.
AISA state secretary Trilokinath claimed that promoting vocational and self-finance courses in place of regular ones would increase the financial burden on students. He argued that such measures would make higher education less accessible to economically weaker sections.
The protesters also condemned the NEET question paper leak, calling it a serious blow to the integrity of medical entrance exams. They demanded a thorough investigation and strict action against those responsible. Additionally, they criticized the CBSE for alleged irregularities in the on-screen marking system for Class 12 results, which they said affected students' futures.
The demonstrations remained peaceful, with police maintaining a presence to prevent any untoward incidents. The organizations have threatened to intensify their agitation if the government does not address their demands.
