Ranchi (Rajeev Sharma): The standoff between Jharkhand government authorities and students protesting alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC recruitment examinations continued on Sunday, with another round of talks planned even as concerns grew over the deteriorating health of student leader Devendra Nath Mahto.
The agitation at Ranchi’s Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium has continued since July 25. Despite several meetings between government representatives and different student groups over the past two days, no agreement has yet been reached.
Health of fasting leader deteriorates
Mahto, who has been observing an indefinite hunger strike for nearly a week, reportedly fell seriously ill during the early hours of Sunday. Doctors monitoring him recorded his blood sugar level at 53, raising concerns among fellow protesters.
Students have been demanding that the government take concrete decisions on the alleged irregularities instead of limiting the discussions to assurances and consultations.
Another attempt at negotiations
The government decided to hold another meeting with student representatives after discussions held on Friday and Saturday failed to resolve the dispute.
A government panel comprising ministers Dipika Pandey Singh, Sudivya Kumar, Chamra Linda and Sanjay Prasad Yadav had held separate discussions with various student organisations. The panel later briefed Chief Minister Hemant Soren about the demands raised during the meetings.
The government has maintained that the discussions were constructive and that the concerns raised by aspirants are being examined.
Protest leaders remain dissatisfied
The JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch, which has been at the forefront of the agitation, has criticised the government’s decision to hold multiple meetings with different student organisations.
Manch leader Ravindra Paswan alleged that the approach could divide the larger student movement. The organisation has maintained that its demands have already been placed before the government and that students would continue their agitation until there was a concrete resolution.
The protesters have particularly demanded action over examinations conducted by JPSC and JSSC that they believe were affected by irregularities.
Cancellation of exams among key demands
Different student groups have submitted their own sets of demands during the government’s consultations.
The Jharkhand Chhatra Morcha has sought cancellation of the 14th JPSC Civil Services Examination. NSUI has called for a CID investigation into examinations facing allegations of irregularities and proposed a separate state testing agency.
The Adivasi Chhatra Sangh has also demanded action against examinations where irregularities are established and sought greater consideration for tribal and regional languages in recruitment tests.
Assembly marches planned
Despite the government’s attempts at dialogue, protesters have said the movement will continue. The larger student groups have announced plans for an Assembly march on August 10 if their demands are not addressed.
Other student organisations have also joined the agitation. AISA has extended support to the protest and plans to participate in the proposed march, while ABVP has announced a separate Assembly demonstration for August 11.
The agitation comes against the backdrop of an ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in JPSC examinations. Nineteen people have been arrested in the case so far, while former JPSC chairperson L Khiangte has been questioned multiple times since July 28.
With the protests showing no signs of ending and the health of a key hunger-strike leader becoming increasingly concerning, pressure is mounting on the Jharkhand government to find a solution through the latest round of talks.
