Fresh talks scheduled between Jharkhand govt and protesting students tomorrow; Government weighs demand of 14th JPSC cancellation
Ranchi, August 8
Amid ongoing protests over alleged irregularities in Jharkhand's recruitment examinations, the state minister Deepika Pandey Singh said the government was actively weighing the students' demand of cancellation of the 14th Jharkhand Public Service Commission exam, as a fresh round of talks with protesting students is scheduled for noon on Sunday.
Asked whether the government was considering scrapping the exam, Singh said the demand was under active consideration. "The students are indeed demanding a cancellation (of the examination), a matter the government is currently considering," she said.
The Minister emphasised that the government stands in solidarity with the aspirants and is looking to bring about a "remarkable change" in the system.
She said, "We wanted to initiate the dialogue some 3-4 days back. We sent this proposal to students. We are in solidarity with the students, and we are with their genuine demands, whatever they may be. Since yesterday, we have had a series of consultations."
She further informed that a dedicated committee is currently reviewing the matter and Chief Minister Hemant Soren has been kept in the loop regarding the progress of the talks.
"The committee has been meeting now. We have apprised our Chief Minister about it. I'm sure that very soon we'll reach a conclusion. Students have come up with very good suggestions and very genuine concerns they have raised, and the government is ready to resolve those," she added.
This came after a meeting at Chief Minister Hemant Soren's residence, where four ministers who form part of the government's committee on the issue briefed the Chief Minister on their discussions with the students' delegation and other student wings involved in the protest.
The alleged irregularities in competitive examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) triggered widespread protests by candidates demanding transparency and structural changes.
Today, a delegation of agitating JPSC and JSSC aspirants in Ranchi met with Jharkhand Minister Sudivya Kumar Sonu. After the meeting, Minister Sonu announced that the state government has released a dedicated email ID to collect suggestions from students and stakeholders for policy reforms.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good to see the minister acknowledging the students' concerns. But actions speak louder than words. We've seen many committees formed and promises made before. Let's see if they actually deliver this time. Students have been protesting for weeks now!
It's encouraging to see a democratic process at work here - students raising genuine concerns and the government willing to listen. Similar issues have occurred in other states too, but the way Jharkhand is handling it through dialogue is commendable.
The dedicated email ID for suggestions is a good step, but it's just a band-aid on a larger structural problem. We need permanent reforms in the recruitment process, not just crisis management. The committee should focus on long-term transparency measures.
Students have every right to protest when their future is at stake. I know many bright candidates who prepared for months, only to be disillusioned by these irregularities. The government must act decisively - either cancel and re-conduct the exam fairly or give clear justification.
While I appreciate the government's willingness to listen, the phrase "active consideration" sounds vague. Students deserve a clear timeline and concrete action plan. Transparency in exam processes is fundamental for any democracy to function properly.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.