Ranchi: The JPSC-JSSC protest over alleged irregularities in state recruitment examinations has become an unexpected earnings boost for street vendors around Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium. As the protest entered its 11th day on Tuesday, hundreds of govt job aspirants continued to gather at the venue, bringing steady customers to tea stalls, momo counters, chaat vendors and small eateries.The protest, led by aspirants, is focused on alleged discrepancies in recruitment examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC). Protesters are demanding transparent recruitment processes, timely examination calendars, action against alleged irregularities, and fair completion of pending recruitment drives. They have staged demonstrations and sit-ins while raising slogans, urging the state govt to address their concerns.For vendors, the prolonged gathering has meant brisk business. Stalls selling momos, Chinese food, golgappas, chaat, tea, cold drinks and packaged water have stayed crowded as students and supporters take breaks between speeches and discussions.Raju, who runs a momo stall near the stadium, said his sales have more than doubled. “Earlier, I prepared around 200 momos a day, but now I make nearly 500. Everything gets sold by evening. Students keep coming in groups throughout the day, and business has been much better than usual,” he said.Chaat vendor Sunil Kumar said evenings are now busiest. “Earlier, I earned a profit of around ₹700-800 a day, but since the protest began, it has increased to nearly Rs 1,500-1,700. People spend hours at the protest site and naturally look for something to eat. Sales of chaat, golgappas have almost doubled, giving us relief during an otherwise slow period,” he said.Several vendors said they hope the aspirants’ demands are resolved soon, but the 11-day footfall has temporarily improved earnings.
JPSC aspirants stage a dharna at Jaipal Singh Stadium in Ranchi
