Ranchi: The standoff between the Jharkhand government and protesting job aspirants continued on Saturday after a second round of talks ended without a breakthrough. The students have refused to call off their agitation, insisting that their key demands must be addressed first.
An eight member delegation of the JPSC-JSSC Aspirant Nyay Manch, led by student leader Devendra Nath Mahto, met the government appointed panel at the State Guest House in Ranchi. The meeting followed Friday’s talks between the government and another group of protesting students.
The protesters have been demanding the cancellation of the 14th JPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination, alleging irregularities in the recruitment process. They are also seeking wider reforms in the state’s examination system.
Government invites feedback from students
Although Saturday’s meeting did not resolve the dispute, the government said discussions with student groups and other stakeholders would continue.
Higher and Technical Education Minister Sudivya Kumar Sonu said the government has opened an email address, JPSSC.feedback@gmail.com, for students and other stakeholders to submit their suggestions and concerns regarding recruitment examinations.The government plans to consider the feedback while preparing a broader policy for reforms in the recruitment process.
Minister Dipika Pandey Singh said the students had put forward their concerns during the meeting and assured that the government would look into the issues raised.For the protesters, however, the latest talks have not been enough to end the agitation.
Students seek action, not just assurances
Mahto, who has been on hunger strike as part of the protest, has maintained that the students will continue their agitation until their demands are met.
Apart from cancellation of the 14th JPSC Preliminary Examination, the protesters have demanded the cancellation of several JSSC examinations conducted after 2019, including CGL, JE and PGT exams.
They are also seeking an independent probe into alleged examination irregularities, including a CBI investigation, along with strict action against anyone found responsible.
Greater transparency in the examination process is another major demand. Students want category wise cut offs, OMR sheets and response sheets to be made available. They have also called for a fixed recruitment calendar similar to those followed by the UPSC and SSC.
Investigation already underway
The student protest comes amid an ongoing Jharkhand CID investigation into alleged irregularities linked to JPSC examinations. Several arrests have been made in the case, while officials connected with the commission have also been questioned.
Former JPSC chairman L Khiangte, who resigned in July, has been questioned as part of the investigation. The allegations remain subject to the ongoing legal process.
Meanwhile, the Jharkhand High Court has also raised concerns over the prolonged delay in conducting the state Teachers Eligibility Test (TET), which has reportedly not been held for nearly nine years.
With Saturday’s talks failing to produce an agreement, the government is expected to continue its consultations with different student groups. The protesters, however, have made it clear that they want concrete action before ending the agitation.
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