New Delhi: Protesting students in Ranchi have formed an 11 member delegation to negotiate with the Jharkhand government over alleged irregularities in the 14th Jharkhand Public Service Commission preliminary examination.
The delegation was formed a day after the state government invited the protesters for discussions. It includes eight students, a lawyer and two technical experts. The names have been submitted to the Ranchi Sub Divisional Officer, while the government is expected to decide the date and venue for the meeting.
The students have been protesting at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium for 13 days under the banner of the JPSC JSSC Reforms Manch. Their agitation intensified following the declaration of the preliminary examination results last month. They have alleged serious irregularities in the examination, which was conducted by a private agency.
The protesters are demanding cancellation of the examination, a Central Bureau of Investigation probe and a complete overhaul of the state’s recruitment examination system.
Student leader Devendra Mahato has also been on hunger strike for five days, adding pressure on the Hemant Soren government to address the demands. After officials reached out to the protesters, the students agreed to form a delegation but insisted that negotiations should not take place behind closed doors. They want journalists and cameras present during the discussions.
Mahato has maintained that the agitation will continue until the students’ demands are addressed.
Meanwhile, the investigation into the alleged examination irregularities has been conducted by a Special Investigation Team with the involvement of the state Crime Investigation Department. At least 19 people have been arrested so far. One of the recent arrests involved an accountant associated with the agency that conducted the examination. The accused had also appeared for the same examination.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren has described examination paper leaks as a wider national concern and indicated that dialogue could help resolve the dispute. The state government has also expressed willingness to hold meaningful discussions with the students.
The opposition BJP, however, has questioned the credibility of the ongoing investigation and demanded that the case be handed over to the CBI.
The proposed talks are now being viewed as a crucial step towards ending the prolonged student protest.
Sorry, there was a YouTube error.
