Ranchi: Another protest by India’s youth, another example of the government agreeing to their demands, at least partially as of now.
If the Cockroach Janta Party-led agitation at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar galvanised students and Gen-Z, ultimately forcing the resignation of Union Education minister Dharmendra Pradhan over NEET-UG paper leak, protesting students at Ranchi’s Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium have got the Jharkhand agreement to agree to cancel the 14th Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) examination on Sunday.
The sixth round of talks between the government and students was held on Sunday in an effort to resolve the ongoing agitation over alleged irregularities linked to exams conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC).
The state government agreed to the demand for cancellation of the JPSC exam, following directions from chief minister Hemant Soren.
However, the deadlock continued over a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe and cancellation of the JSSC-CGL exam.
The demand for a CBI investigation remained the major point of disagreement during the meeting. The students were firm on a CBI probe, while the Jharkhand government proposed an inquiry by a committee headed by a retired judge.
According to sources, the Hemant Soren-led government further suggested that criminal cases related to the matter be investigated by the state CID, while financial aspects could be examined by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The possibility of setting up a fast-track court to hear the cases was also discussed.
As for the JSSC-CGL exam, the government stuck to its point that cancellation at this stage will be difficult, as the matter previously reached the High Court and Supreme Court. Also, appointments have already been made and several successful candidates are currently employed.
The government urged protesters to end the agitation. Student representatives will deliberate among themselves before informing the government whether they accept the proposals.
