Ranchi, August 10: Student protests in Jharkhand against irregularities in competitive exams continue, despite the government’s claims of addressing most of their demands. A third round of talks on Sunday failed to resolve the conflict. The government urged students to withdraw their protests, asserting that they had accepted the majority of the students’ requests. However, students remain adamant about their demands to cancel the JSSC-CGL exam 2024 and conduct a CBI investigation into all disputed examinations.
In response to unmet demands, students announced they would maintain their protests and proceed with a planned assembly siege on Monday, August 10. Following the unsuccessful negotiations, a group of four ministers held a press conference at the Information Building, expressing regret over the students’ stance. Sudivya Kumar Sonu, leading the ministerial group, stated that it is unfortunate for students to continue their protests despite the government meeting most of their key demands.
He appealed to students to abandon their obstinacy and withdraw their protests, advocating for a resolution through dialogue. Kumar also urged parents to counsel their children and dissuade them from participating in the protests.
Minister Sudivya Kumar confirmed that the government has fully agreed to cancel the 14th JPSC PT and backlog civil service exams. Additionally, the government plans to write to the CID for an investigation into financial transactions and recoveries related to the exams, as well as conduct a comprehensive inquiry into all exams administered by the controversial agency TDPL, promising strict action if evidence of wrongdoing is found.
Regarding the demand to cancel the CGL exam, Kumar clarified that the exam was conducted under the guidelines of the Supreme Court and High Court, and appointments have already been made based on its results. Therefore, canceling it is beyond the government’s jurisdiction. The government had proposed an investigation under the supervision of a retired judge, but students were not amenable to this suggestion.
The government also emphasized its commitment to reforming the examination system, incorporating suggestions from all stakeholders, including students. A new portal will be launched for this purpose. Sudivya Kumar stated that while wrongdoers will be punished, choosing to protest through actions like the assembly siege is misguided when the government is already addressing legitimate demands.
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