Ranchi: The protest over alleged irregularities in Jharkhand’s recruitment exams entered its 16th day on Sunday, with the state government opening another round of talks with students in Ranchi. But on the ground, there was little sign that the agitation was about to end.
The sixth round of discussions began at the state guest house around noon. It came after several meetings between government representatives and different student groups over the past two days failed to produce an agreement.
The students central demand remains the cancellation of the 14th JPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination, held on July 2. They are also seeking an independent investigation into the alleged irregularities, with the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch demanding a CBI probe, publication of the findings and action against those found responsible.
The protest has also taken a toll on the students. Devendra Nath Mahto, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike for about a week, saw his blood glucose level fall to 53 early Sunday, according to reports. Another student, Rahul Krantim, is under medical supervision at Sadar Hospital’s ICU. Six protesters are currently on hunger strike.
For the government, Sunday’s talks are another attempt to bring the protesting groups to the table. Ministers Dipika Pandey Singh, Sudivya Kumar, Chamra Linda and Sanjay Prasad Yadav held separate meetings with student organisations on Saturday and sought their demands. The government has said the discussions were positive and that the concerns raised by the students are being considered.
But the main protest group is not convinced. Leaders of the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch have accused the government of trying to divide the movement by holding separate discussions with different organisations. They insist that students remain united behind their core demands.
The issue has meanwhile become political. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi have backed the protesting students. BJP leader and Union minister Sanjay Seth also visited the protest site on Sunday and supported the demand for cancellation of the examination and a probe.
The agitation could intensify if Sunday’s talks fail. Students have announced plans for a march to the Jharkhand Assembly on August 10 if their demands are not addressed. ABVP has separately announced an Assembly march for August 11.
For now, all eyes are on the sixth round of talks. After five unsuccessful attempts, students are looking for something more concrete than another assurance. Whether the government can deliver that could decide what happens next in Ranchi.
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