Tear gas and water cannons: protesters over exams dispersed in India — VIDEO
In the Indian state of Jharkhand, police used tear gas, batons, and water cannons against thousands of young people who took to the streets to protest alleged irregularities in the conduct of examinations for civil service positions.
On Monday, demonstrators headed toward the state legislative assembly building, but law enforcement agencies attempted to stop their march. Footage from the scene showed clashes between protesters and police.
Discontent among students and unemployed youth in Jharkhand, one of India's poorest states, began to grow at the end of last month. The trigger was accusations of irregularities in the organization of the examinations, including an alleged leak of the tasks intended for candidates for government positions.
Participants in the protests are demanding a review of the current examination system and the cancellation of a number of tests whose results have been called into question. In addition, the demonstrators insist on an independent investigation involving federal law enforcement agencies.
The protests in Jharkhand were a continuation of a larger wave of youth demonstrations that has swept India in recent weeks. In the country's capital, New Delhi, rallies involving many thousands of people also took place, with participants accusing the authorities of failing to ensure the transparency of examinations and to prevent leaks of study materials.
During the demonstrations in Delhi, police and paramilitary units used tear gas, shotguns, and batons to disperse protesters. According to estimates, around 50,000 young people took part in the rallies. In some areas, the protests were accompanied by clashes with security forces.
The mass demonstrations became a manifestation of broader dissatisfaction among young Indians with the state of the education system and the labor market. Protesters speak of corruption, a lack of jobs, and limited employment opportunities, especially among graduates hoping to obtain positions in the public sector.
The situation surrounding the examinations has already led to political consequences at the federal level. Last month, India's Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan left his post amid mounting pressure from protesters and criticism of the government over the scandal involving examination materials.
