Ranchi:
The protest against alleged irregularities in Jharkhand’s recruitment examinations entered its 15th day on Saturday, with Chief Minister Hemant Soren personally reaching out to agitating students at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, even as a second round of government talks began with a different faction of protesters.
Friday’s Talks End in Deadlock
A Jharkhand government panel led by Minister Sudivya Kumar held discussions with an 11-member delegation of the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch, led by student leader Ravindra Paswan, at the State Guest House on Friday. The talks ended in deadlock, with students demanding cancellation of the 14th JPSC examination and a CBI probe into alleged irregularities. The Reforms Manch has warned it will proceed with a march to the state Assembly on August 10 if the government fails to provide firm commitments by Sunday.
CM Soren’s Direct Outreach
Earlier Saturday, CM Hemant Soren personally visited the protesting students at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, saying the government was ready for dialogue and committed to implementing robust reforms to address student concerns. “We have already specified a channel of communication. We are ready to talk. The government is keen to understand the issues faced by every student,” Soren said, adding that efforts were underway to engage directly with protesters beyond the stadium.
Second Faction, Second Round of Talks
A separate group, protesting under the banner of the JPSC-JSSC Nyay Manch and led by Devendra Mahato, began a fresh round of talks with the government on Saturday. This faction shares similar core demands — cancellation of the 14th JPSC exam and an independent CBI or retired-judges probe — alongside comprehensive reforms to both the JPSC and JSSC.
Movement’s Timeline
The broader agitation began on July 25, and student leader Ravindra Paswan has said the dialogue will not be considered successful unless all demands are met in full.
Note: This is a live, developing story. Outcomes of Saturday’s talks and the government’s response by the Sunday deadline should be confirmed against the latest updates.
