The second round of discussions between the Jharkhand government and protesting job aspirants ended without a breakthrough on Saturday afternoon. A five-member ministerial and legislative panel met an eight-member delegation of candidates led by Devendra Nath Mahto. The meeting was held at the State Guest House in Ranchi.
However, the two-hour meeting failed to resolve the deadlock. Moreover, student leaders announced that their ongoing hunger strike and agitation would continue. They said this would last until the state government officially accepts all their primary demands.
The meeting was part of the state administration’s efforts to end a fortnight-long impasse over alleged paper leaks and procedural irregularities in exams. These exams are conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC). The first round of talks held on Friday night was carried out with a separate group of protesters. That round had similarly yielded no final resolution.
Aspirants Firm on Demands as Health Concerns Mount
Following the inconclusive meeting, student representatives reiterated that their peaceful stir at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi will remain active.
The protesters are demanding the immediate cancellation of the 14th JPSC Civil Services Examination and blacklisting of controversial examination agencies. In addition, they seek an independent inquiry conducted either by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or a panel of retired high court judges from outside the state.
Devendra Nath Mahto, whose hunger strike entered its seventh day on Saturday, stated that while government representatives promised to brief Chief Minister Hemant Soren, the candidates require concrete executive orders before calling off their protest.
Meanwhile, health conditions among the fasting candidates have worsened significantly. Medical teams stationed near the protest ground reported dropping blood pressure and sugar levels among several hunger strikers. This situation has led to emergency hospitalizations at Ranchi Sadar Hospital.
Protesters have demanded that Chief Minister Hemant Soren hold a direct and recorded dialogue with student representatives in an open public venue. They prefer this rather than delegation meetings in closed rooms.
Government Seeks Aspirant Feedback as CID Probe Accelerates
Representing the state government, Higher and Technical Education Minister Sudivya Kumar and Minister Dipika Pandey Singh characterized the talks as positive and constructive.
To build trust among aspirants, the state administration announced direct suggestions from students regarding structural reforms in recruitment testing procedures. Also, government ministers assured the delegation that all student concerns would be presented to Chief Minister Hemant Soren for final review and decision-making.
Simultaneously, state law enforcement agencies have intensified their investigation into the examination irregularities. The Jharkhand Crime Investigation Department (CID) has arrested 19 individuals connected to the paper leak module so far.
CID officials also issued formal summons to three serving members of the JPSC for questioning. While former JPSC chairman L. Khiangte has been interrogated four times since late July.
Protesting student bodies have warned that if their demands are not addressed by Sunday, they will proceed with a planned march toward the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly on August 10.
Curated news reports, in-depth analysis, and special features by India’s Opinion editorial team.
