Ranchi: The first round of talks between students protesting irregularities in the JPSC and JSSC examinations in Jharkhand and the Hemant Soren government took place on Friday. Following the meeting at the State Guest House, student leaders described it as “positive,” but made it clear that the agitation would continue until all demands were met.
10 students met a panel of 4 ministers
The government had formed a committee of four ministers for the talks. This included Chamara Linda and Sudibya Kumar Sonu of the JMM, Deepika Pandey Singh of the Congress, and Sanjay Prasad Yadav of the RJD.
On the other hand, a 10-member student delegation arrived. This delegation belonged to the main student group, separate from Devendra Mahato’s faction. The delegation included Ravindra Paswan, Piyush Kumar, Rajesh Prasad, Neetu Kujur, Ankit Raj, Kartik Soren, Shalu Kumari, Ravindra Kumar Ravi, Anand Kumar, and Ankit Kumar.
What was discussed in the meeting?
After the meeting, student leader Ravindra Paswan said, “This was our first meeting. The atmosphere was very positive. It felt like we were sitting and talking with family. We hope that the government, the CM and all the ministers will seriously consider our demands.”
Paswan had stated before the meeting that the students would not compromise on their demands. “All our demands are binding. If even one is not met, we will not consider this dialogue a success and will continue the protest.”
A core committee member said that their concerns have been explained to the government. “We need assurance. The ministers will convey our message to the CM. We will meet again soon. Until then, our protest march will continue. If the government responds positively, we may reconsider marching to the Assembly on August 10th.”
What are the demands of the students?
Students have been protesting for several days against alleged irregularities in the JPSC and JSSC exams. Their main demands are a CBI investigation into the paper leaks, action against the culprits, and transparency in the examination process.
The government has initiated talks, but students say that mere assurances will not suffice. Concrete action must be taken. All eyes are now on the government’s next move. Student leaders have made it clear that their protests on the streets of Ranchi will not stop until their demands are met. The date for the next meeting has not yet been set.