Students protesting in Ranchi over alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC examinations have agreed to hold talks with the Jharkhand government. Student leader Devendra Nath Mahato, however, said his hunger strike will continue until their demands are fulfilled.
The protest over alleged irregularities in various JPSC and JSSC competitive examinations has been continuing at Jaipal Singh Stadium in Ranchi. Despite adverse weather conditions and continuous rainfall, the students have remained at the protest site. Following a proposal from the government for dialogue, the protesters agreed to participate in discussions.
Student leaders said dialogue is the most appropriate way to resolve issues in a democratic system. They said they are willing to discuss the matter with the government in the hope of securing a positive decision on the students' demands.
Student leader Devendra Nath Mahato, who is leading the protest, said his hunger strike has not ended. He said that after speaking with social activist Sonam Wangchuk, he has started drinking water but is still not consuming solid food. According to Mahato, the hunger strike will continue until satisfactory decisions are taken on all the movement's key demands.
Mahato also alleged that misleading and incorrect reports were being circulated about the protest. He said the agitation remains entirely peaceful and that the students' objective is to ensure transparency in the recruitment process.
Student leader Ravindra Paswan said the government sent a proposal for talks through the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO). The students accepted the proposal while placing certain conditions. They said the discussions should take place in the presence of the Chief Minister to ensure effective implementation of any decisions taken.
The students also demanded that at least two media representatives be allowed to attend the meeting to ensure transparency in the process. The administration has asked the students to submit the names of members of their delegation, after which the date and time of the meeting will be decided.
The protest over alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC recruitment examinations has also received support from various student organisations and candidates preparing for competitive examinations. On Thursday, several aspirants preparing for the Jharkhand Police recruitment examination joined the protest and expressed support for the students.
Abhijeet Deepke, founder of Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), also announced support for the movement. He said his organisation would stand with the students and support their demand for transparency and accountability in recruitment processes.
Attention is now focused on the proposed meeting between the government and the protesting students.
