Ranchi: The student-led agitation over alleged irregularities in Jharkhand’s recruitment examinations entered its 15th day on Saturday, with the state government making another attempt to break the deadlock by opening talks with a separate group of protesting job aspirants.
The latest round of discussions comes after an earlier meeting between the government and representatives of the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch failed to convince the protesters to call off their agitation. The students have said they will continue their protest and hunger strike until their key demands are addressed.
The government was scheduled to meet an eight-member delegation led by Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha leader Devendra Nath Mahto at the state guest house. Mahto has been on an indefinite hunger strike for seven days.
The protesters are demanding the cancellation of the 14th Jharkhand Public Service Commission Civil Services Examination and a probe into alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted by the JPSC and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission. They have also called for an independent investigation, either by the CBI or by a panel of retired High Court judges from outside the state.
The protesting students are also seeking wider reforms in the functioning of the JPSC and JSSC, with greater transparency and accountability in the recruitment process.
The government has maintained that it is willing to listen to the students. Higher and Technical Education Minister Sudivya Kumar said the administration was sensitive to their concerns and would consider their demands sympathetically. Minister Dipika Pandey Singh said the students’ concerns had also been conveyed to Chief Minister Hemant Soren.
Despite the government's outreach, the protest continues. Students have warned that they will march towards the Jharkhand Assembly on August 10 if their demands are not addressed by Sunday. The prolonged agitation has also raised concerns over the health of hunger strikers. Student leader Rahul Kranti was admitted to Ranchi Sadar Hospital after his health deteriorated while he was on an indefinite fast. Officials said he was receiving medical treatment under specialist supervision.
The movement has attracted support from several political and student organisations. At the same time, the issue has reached the state Assembly, where BJP legislators have demanded a court-monitored CBI investigation into the alleged recruitment irregularities.
According to the latest reports, 19 people have been arrested in connection with the alleged irregularities in JPSC examinations, while former JPSC chairman L Khiangte has been questioned four times since July 28.
With another round of talks now underway, attention is focused on whether the government's latest effort can bring the protesting students and authorities closer to a settlement.
