On Saturday, June 10, 2023, the Jharkhand State Students’ Union (JSSU), an umbrella body of various students’ associations, initiated a 48-hour bandh (shutdown) in Jharkhand, demanding 100% reservation for local residents in state government jobs. However, despite their efforts, the bandh failed to create a significant impact as shops remained open, markets buzzed with activity, and vehicles continued to ply the streets in Jharkhand.
The JSSU, representing a collective of student associations, called for the bandh in order to pressure the government into fulfilling their demand for complete reservation of state government jobs for local residents. The objective behind the demand was to ensure employment opportunities for local youths and address their concerns regarding job scarcity and opportunities being allocated to non-residents.
Early in the morning, agitators from various student associations gathered at Ranchi’s Khadgara bus stand, the capital of Jharkhand, to enforce the bandh. They approached bus and auto-rickshaw operators, requesting them not to ply their vehicles during the shutdown. However, despite their appeal, local transport services continued to operate normally, leading to minimal disruption of public transportation in the city.
Contrary to the bandh organizers’ expectations, shops and markets across Jharkhand remained open throughout the day. Business activities continued unhindered, with customers freely visiting establishments and engaging in commerce. The decision of shop owners and traders to keep their businesses open demonstrated their unwillingness to comply with the bandh call, emphasizing their commitment to serving the needs of the public.
Despite the bandh announcement, vehicles, including cars, buses, and auto-rickshaws, plied the streets of Jharkhand without significant interruption. Public transportation services, such as buses and auto-rickshaws, operated as usual, providing a lifeline for commuters and ensuring the continuation of daily activities. This lack of vehicular disruption highlighted the limited impact of the bandh on the overall functioning of the state.
Several factors contributed to the lackluster response to the bandh. First, the demand for 100% reservation for local residents in state government jobs did not garner universal support. Many individuals and groups, including non-residents, disagreed with the proposition, highlighting concerns about its potential impact on meritocracy and equal opportunities for all.
Additionally, the decision of shop owners, traders, and transportation service providers to keep their businesses open indicated a desire to avoid financial losses and maintain the economy’s stability. They weighed the potential inconvenience caused by the bandh against the necessity of sustaining their livelihoods, ultimately choosing to prioritize economic activities.
Despite the fervent efforts of the JSSU and its affiliated student associations, the 48-hour bandh in Jharkhand witnessed limited success. Shops and markets remained open, and vehicles continued to operate, reflecting a lack of widespread support for the demand of 100% reservation for local residents in state government jobs. The differing viewpoints and concerns about the reservation policy, along with the determination of businesses to maintain their operations, contributed to the minimal impact of the bandh. The events surrounding the bandh underscore the complexities associated with socio-political movements and the challenges faced in achieving widespread participation and support for specific demands.