Govt-students second round talks on JPSC-JSSC row in Jharkhand inconclusive, stir enters Day 15

Ranchi: The students’ agitation in Ranchi against alleged irregularities in the JPSC and JSSC competitive examinations entered its 15th day on Saturday, with the second round of talks between the Jharkhand government and the protesting students once again ending without a breakthrough.

The meeting, held at the State Guest House in Ranchi’s Morabadi, lasted for nearly one hour and 45 minutes and was attended by four state ministers along with members of a student delegation associated with the Jharkhand Democratic Revolutionary Front.

During the discussions, the students made it clear that their protest would continue until the disputed examinations are completely cancelled. They also reiterated their decision to proceed with the previously announced Assembly gherao on August 10.

Representing the government, ministers Sudivya Kumar Sonu, Deepika Pandey Singh, Chamara Linda, and Sanjay Prasad Yadav heard the concerns raised by the students and appealed to them to suspend their sit-in protest.

The government maintained that it is committed to ensuring transparency in the examination system.

Speaking after the meeting, Sudivya Kumar Sonu said the government would not restrict consultations to a single organisation and would seek suggestions from youths and stakeholders across the state.

To facilitate this process, the government has launched a dedicated feedback email ID for examination reforms. Citizens and students have been invited to submit their recommendations, which, he said, would be considered while framing a comprehensive policy.

The minister further stated that the dialogue process would continue and that the government would engage with other student groups as well.

He also accused opposition parties of attempting to politicise the issue, asserting that the government had acted sensitively from the outset by ordering a CID probe, conducting raids, and making arrests in connection with the alleged irregularities.

On the other hand, the protesting students remained firm on their core demand. Student leaders said they would not back down and that the movement would continue until the examinations in question are cancelled.

Notably, the first round of talks between the government and the students, held on Friday, had also failed to produce any concrete outcome. With both sides sticking to their respective positions, the deadlock over the issue remains unresolved.

IANS