JPSC Protest Crisis: Govt Opens Dialogue, But Students Say ‘Demands Unchanged’

Jharkhand’s JPSC protest enters a crucial phase as Devendra Nath Mahto’s group meets the government again. But students say their demands remain unchanged after the first round of talks failed.

The protesters are demanding the cancellation of the 14th JPSC exam (Img: X)

New Delhi: The deadlock between Jharkhand students and the state government continues as protests over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations enter the 15th day.

A second round of discussions is scheduled between the Jharkhand government and a faction of protesting students led by Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) leader Devendra Nath Mahto. The meeting comes after the first round of talks with another student delegation failed to resolve the issue.

Also Read: JPSC Protest Standoff: One Demand Keeps Jharkhand Students And Government Talks Frozen

What Is The JPSC Protest About?

Students have been protesting against alleged irregularities in the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) recruitment examinations.

The protesters are demanding the cancellation of the 14th JPSC examination and an independent investigation into alleged irregularities. They have also sought major reforms in the functioning of JPSC and JSSC recruitment processes.

Devendra Nath Mahto Says Demands Will Not Change

Ahead of the meeting with government representatives, Devendra Nath Mahto said that the demands of all protesting groups are the same.

He said the number of student delegations meeting the government does not matter because the core issues remain unchanged. Mahto, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike, maintained that the protest will continue until their demands are addressed.

Also Read: No Closed-Door Dialogues! Jharkhand Students Agree For Talks, Demand CM Hemant Soren To Lead Discussion In Live Media

First Round Of Talks Fails To Break Deadlock

The earlier meeting between a student delegation and a government panel led by Higher and Technical Education Minister Sudivya Kumar took place in a positive atmosphere, according to officials.

However, students decided to continue their agitation, saying assurances from the government were not enough without concrete action.

Students Warn Of Vidhan Sabha March

Protesting students have warned that they will proceed with a planned march towards the Jharkhand Vidhan Sabha on August 10 if their demands are not fulfilled.

Meanwhile, the government has said it is examining the students’ concerns and that the matter has been brought to Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s attention.