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

Jharkhand’s JPSC protest has reached Day 14, but one issue is blocking talks between students and the government. Why are aspirants demanding a journalist and lawyer in their delegation?

Post Published By: Ayushi Bisht

Updated : 7 August 2026, 12:26 PM IST

The protest has entered its 14th day in Ranchi (Img: X)

New Delhi: The ongoing JPSC and JSSC recruitment exam protest in Jharkhand has entered a crucial phase, with negotiations between student protesters and the state government stuck over a single unresolved issue- the composition of the delegation that will participate in talks.

The agitation, which entered its 14th day at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi, continues as students demand action over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations and seek reforms in the state’s selection process.

Also Read: Explained: Why Are Jharkhand Students Protesting? Inside The JPSC, JSSC Exam Controversy

Talks Stalled Over Inclusion of Journalist, Lawyer

The Jharkhand government has agreed to hold discussions with protesting students, but both sides remain divided over who should represent the protesters during negotiations. The students have formed an 11-member delegation, including eight students, two experts and an advocate. They are insisting that a journalist and a lawyer should also be part of the panel to ensure transparency during discussions.

However, the government wants direct talks only with the protesting students, leading to a deadlock between both sides. A five-member government team, including ministers Dipika Pandey Singh and Sudivya Kumar, is expected to engage with the protesters once the issue over delegation members is resolved.

Hunger Strike Continues, Protester Hospitalised

The health condition of one of the protesters deteriorated during the ongoing hunger strike, following which he was shifted from the protest site to Sadar Hospital in Ranchi for medical treatment.

Six protesters, including two women and student leader Devendra Nath Mahto, have been observing an indefinite hunger strike as part of the agitation. The protest began on July 25 under the banner of the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch and has emerged as one of the biggest student movements in Jharkhand in recent years.

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

Students Say Movement Is Not Political

Student leaders have maintained that the protest is independent of any political organisation. Student leader Piyush Kumar said the protesters are waiting for the government to initiate formal dialogue and clarified that the platform would not be used for political activities.

What Are JPSC Protesters Demanding?

The protesting students have raised several demands related to alleged irregularities in Jharkhand recruitment examinations.

Their major demands include:

• Cancellation of the 14th JPSC Civil Services Examination over alleged irregularities.
• An independent investigation into the recruitment process by agencies such as the CBI, ED, or a panel of retired High Court judges from outside Jharkhand.
• Structural reforms in the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) to ensure transparent recruitment.