Gen Z Political Activism and Public Policy Reform in India: A Case Study of Youth Protest Movements in Delhi and Jharkhand (2022-2026).

Abstract

Purpose: This research explores the dynamics of emergence, mobilization patterns and policy responses to Gen Z led protests against institutional failures in examinations and public recruitment processes in Delhi and Jharkhand from 2022 to 2026.

Design/Methodology/Approach: Qualitative secondary data analysis methodology is adopted in this research with Supreme Court verdicts, media reports, government reactions and digital mobilization patterns being examined with regard to three youth protests in Agnipath protests (2022), NEET-UG protests (2024) and Jharkhand recruitment protests (2026).

Findings: Findings of this research indicate that youth mobilizations due to examination and recruitment policy issues received considerable attention leading to judicial interventions, cancellation of examinations, and policy changes. Digital tools such as encrypted instant messengers and hashtags played key roles in fast mobilization irrespective of the geography. Supreme Court verdict in Vanshika Yadav v. Union of India (2024) created important legal precedents concerning systemic integrity vs. proportionate remedial measures.

Originality/Value: Contribution of this research includes insights into Gen Z political activism in India and use of digital capabilities to counter institutional failures in merit based selection procedures...