- On Thursday, protesters announced the formation of an 11-member delegation to hold talks with the government regarding alleged irregularities in recruitment exams.
- The decision followed Chief Minister Hemant Soren's offer for dialogue, made a day earlier.
- The delegation comprises eight students, two experts (journalists), and an advocate, formed in response to the government's offer.
- The journalists and advocate will only provide guidance, as protesters want peaceful talks; Soren had earlier called question paper leaks a national problem.
- On Wednesday, Ranchi Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Kumar Rajat visited the protest site and told the students the government would hold discussions with them.
- Student leader Devendra Mahato began a hunger strike five days ago, increasing pressure on the Hemant Soren-led government.
- The students made it clear that they would not agree to closed-door negotiations and would hold the talks only in the presence of journalists and cameras.
- On Thursday afternoon, the demonstrators issued a statement saying that an 11-member delegation has been formed, and the list has been handed over to the SDO.
Protesters in Ranchi have intensified their demands for accountability regarding alleged irregularities in the 14th Jharkhand PSC Civil Services Examination, leading to the formation of an 11-member delegation for talks with the government. This delegation includes eight students, two journalists, and an advocate, as they seek to address their grievances.19
The protests, which began on July 25, have seen significant participation, with demonstrators gathering at the Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium and escalating their actions to include hunger strikes. Student leader Devendra Mahato has been on a hunger strike for five days, reflecting the urgency of their demands.7
The protesters are calling for the cancellation of the exam and an independent investigation into the alleged irregularities, which they claim were facilitated by the third-party organization TSR Data Processing Private Limited. They are also advocating for comprehensive reforms in the Jharkhand Public Service Commission and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren has acknowledged the situation, stating that the question paper leak is a national issue and has expressed willingness to engage in dialogue. The students have made it clear that they prefer open discussions, insisting on the presence of media during negotiations.2
The Jharkhand government is expected to finalize the time and venue for the talks soon, as pressure mounts from the ongoing protests and public sentiment surrounding the examination irregularities.
“The delegation includes eight students, two journalists, and an advocate, with the latter two limited to guidance as protesters insist on open talks with media present. Student leader Devendra Mahato's hunger strike, now five days old, has intensified pressure on the government.”
