Jharkhand CM ready to talk to protesting students, promises major reforms

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Friday said his government was ready to hold talks with students protesting over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations in the State. He assured that a comprehensive reform measure would be brought in to address the concerns.

Speaking to reporters on the Assembly premises after the House was adjourned for the day over the protests, Mr. Soren said, "We are ready to hold talks. The State government is eager to know the problems of every student. All students from across the State can give their thoughts on the issues. We will move forward with a big and strong reform according to the students' demands."

The Chief Minister reiterated that the government was serious about resolving the students' issues. "Students from across the State are welcome to place their grievances before the government," he said.

The protesters have been demanding cancellation of the 14th Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) Civil Services Examination and an independent probe into the alleged irregularities, either by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or by a panel of retired High Court judges from outside the State. They also urged comprehensive reforms in the JPSC and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC).

Mr. Soren said his government has already offered a platform for talks. A five-member government panel, including Ministers Dipika Pandey Singh and Sudivya Kumar, is likely to interact with the protesters, an official said.

The protesting students have also formed an 11-member delegation to hold talks with the government to resolve the impasse. The delegation was constituted on Thursday.

The protest against the alleged irregularities in recruitment exams entered its 14th day on Friday. Six demonstrators were on a hunger strike, even as two student unions staged a protest march to the Vidhan Sabha.

Despite the government's offer, the stalemate continued, with student groups and job aspirants alleging that no formal invitation had been received to discuss their demands. They said they were waiting for a concrete proposal from the government to begin dialogue.