The Jharkhand government on Friday held its first meeting with student protesters demanding a CBI probe into alleged irregularities in competitive examinations for government jobs, but the two-hour-long talks ended without a resolution. The protest, led by the JPSS-JSCC Reform Manch, entered its 14th day, with students remaining firm on continuing their agitation over their key demands.
A five-member government delegation comprising Ministers Sudivya Kumar, Chamra Linda, Dipika Pandey Singh and Sanjay Singh, along with Development Commissioner Ajay Kumar Singh, held discussions with a 10-member student delegation at the Morabadi State Guest House in Ranchi.
Following the meeting, student leader Ravindra Paswan said the government had heard their concerns but no agreement had been reached. "It was the first round of meeting with the government and the government listened to our demands. However, we could not reach any conclusion regarding our key demands. Therefore, the protest will continue for the time being," Paswan said. The protestors also added that they would proceed with their 'Vidhansabha Gherao' agitation scheduled on August 10, if their demands remain unmet.
Education Minister Sudivya Kumar described the talks as constructive and said the government would examine the students' demands before deciding on the next course of action. "The talks with the students took place in a positive atmosphere. All their points were heard and understood seriously, and the government will consider their demands before deciding on the next course of action," he said.
Earlier, Chief Minister Hemant Soren said his government was prepared to engage with the protesting students and work towards practical solutions. "My government is committed to talk to the students and moving forward with concrete and practical solutions to the problems faced by students," Soren said.
He added that the government would seek suggestions from students, academics and policymakers across Jharkhand and beyond before undertaking reforms. "We will soon collect suggestions from students, academics, and policymakers across the State and the country, and take concrete steps in a time-bound manner towards necessary reforms and positive changes," he said.
The students have raised allegations of irregularities in the Jharkhand Public Service Commission's Combined Civil Services Examination and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission's Combined Graduate Level (JSSC-CGL) examination.
