Two events marked the 80th Independence Day in Jharkhand today. First, the Chief Minister highlighted the launch of an initiative called ‘Chhatron Ki Baat – Chhatron Ke Sath’, which seeks suggestions from students, parents, and teachers to improve the education system. He stressed that contributions from students are vital to establishing a sound education framework.

“We will not indulge in a blame game but ensure justice. We are making changes in the system. We will come out with the academic calendar and take steps for transparency (in) exams. We have started Chhatron Ki Baat – Chhatron Ke Sath, and I want the parents of students and their teachers to give suggestions, and we will examine them with experts and bring them as per rules and constitutional norms,” Soren added.

Alongside, students protesting against alleged irregularities in Jharkhand’s recruitment examinations took out a ‘Tiranga Yatra’ to celebrate India’s 80th Independence Day in Ranchi on Saturday (August 15, 2026).

Students were barefoot while carrying tri-colour flags while participating in their Tiranga Yatra protest.On this occasion,
JPSC-JSSC Reform Manch leader Ravindra Paswan said the “indefinite” protest, which entered its 22nd day on Saturday, will continue until the government accepted their demands.

Enquiry revealed that students from all districts of Jharkhand had come to Ranchi to participate in this march. The aim was to convey a message of unity and patriotism.

The march began at 10 a.m. from Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, where the students have been camping, and passed through Kachhari Chowk, Nucleus Mall, Lalpur Chowk, Plaza Chowk, Firayalal Chowk, and Shaheed Chowk and returned to the stadium.

Earlier, Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) leader Devendra Kumar Mahto, in a video message from the Ranchi Sadar Hospital, had alleged that a few people were trying to “weaken” the protest. He urged protesting students to continue with the agitation for the “sake of reforms” in competitive examinations.

Mr. Mahto demanded an inquiry into the lathi-charge on students during the August 10 rally. “I demand legal action against the official responsible for giving the order of lathi-charge,” he said, adding that the protesting students should not worry about his health.

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has assured that the state government is committed to ensuring transparency in examinations, particularly those conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC). This statement came as student protests marking alleged irregularities in these exams entered their 22nd day.

Addressing a gathering during the state-level Independence Day celebrations on August 15, Soren emphasised the importance of the youth and their trust in the government. “For me, the youth of the state are very important to me and their faith in us. We have decided to bring changes in the system. Transparent examination will be ensured,” he stated.