Student unions in Jharkhand have escalated their agitation against the state government over significant delays in the disbursement of scholarships, a situation pushing many from marginalized communities into financial distress. The All Jharkhand Students’ Union (AJSU) petitioned the Governor, while the All India Students’ Association (AISA) has announced a protest march, even as authorities impose strict prohibitory orders around the state assembly.
Student Delegation Appeals to Governor
On Thursday, a delegation from the All Jharkhand Students’ Union (AJSU), the students' wing of the Ajsu-P party, met with Governor Santosh Gangwar at the Raj Bhavan in Ranchi. The delegation, led by its state president Om Verma, submitted a detailed memorandum highlighting the urgent need for the immediate payment of pending scholarships to eligible students across the state.
The memorandum underscored that students from economically weaker sections, particularly those from tribal and Dalit communities, are bearing the brunt of the delay. Many have been compelled to take up part-time jobs to manage their course fees and basic living expenses, threatening their academic continuity. The AJSU leaders appealed directly to the Governor to intervene and resolve the crisis.
In a subsequent press statement, AJSU confirmed that Governor Santosh Gangwar listened carefully to their demands and assured them that steps would be initiated to address the problem promptly. This meeting followed a recent protest march titled ‘Siksha ke liye Bhiksha’ organized by AJSU from Morabadi ground to Lok Bhawan in the state capital.
AISA Announces Assembly March Amidst Security Clampdown
Adding to the pressure, the Jharkhand unit of the All India Students’ Association (AISA), which is backed by left parties, has declared a protest march to the state assembly on Friday. AISA state secretary Triloki Nath, addressing the media, stated that the march from Birsa Chowk to the assembly aims to protest three key issues: the inordinate delay in scholarship disbursement, a 25% hike in intermediate examination fees, and the mandatory requirement of personal education numbers while filling examination forms.
Triloki Nath emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “The delay in payment of scholarship has caused a financial crisis for many students. They are on the verge of leaving studies as they are unable to pay the course fee, rent and daily expenses.”
Anticipating the protests, the Ranchi district administration has proactively imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS. The order, effective from 8 am on Friday to 10 pm on December 11, bans processions, demonstrations, gheraos, and similar activities within a 750-meter radius of the state assembly.
Stringent Restrictions in Place
The prohibitory order explicitly forbids the gathering of five or more persons, carrying any type of arms and ammunition, and the use of loudspeakers in the designated area. Ranchi Sub-Divisional Officer Utkarsh Kumar explained the security preparations, noting that the area around the assembly would be heavily barricaded to prevent the entry of protesters.
Kumar added that groups wishing to agitate for various demands would be directed to a designated protest site at Kutte. This move indicates the administration's intent to maintain order while attempting to provide a controlled outlet for demonstrations.
The convergence of protests by two major student bodies underscores a growing unrest in Jharkhand's educational landscape. With the governor's assurance now on record, all eyes are on the state administration to expedite the scholarship payments and address the students' legitimate grievances before the situation escalates further.
