Student groups in Jharkhand have said their protest over alleged irregularities in state recruitment examinations will continue until the government orders a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry. The agitation, centred in Ranchi, has entered its 16th day.
The protest began on July 25 as a hunger strike against alleged malpractice in exams conducted by the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC). Organisers said the health of three students has deteriorated, following which the sit-in is being held under medical supervision.
After a second round of talks with government representatives on August 9, student leader Ravindra Paswan said several demands had been accepted, but key issues remained unresolved. He said the state had agreed to investigations by the state intelligence wing and the Enforcement Directorate, but refused the demand for a CBI probe, instead proposing an inquiry led by a retired judge.
Minister Sudivya Kumar said an inquiry would be conducted under a retired High Court judge into the JSSC CGL examination, and a separate committee with IIT and IIM experts would be formed to suggest exam reforms. He also said the government would recommend an Enforcement Directorate probe into any financial irregularities, set up fast-track courts for exam-related cases, and file charge sheets within 90 days.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren said the government would ensure transparent justice and resolve issues through dialogue, while warning against attempts to politicise the protest. Meanwhile, three members of the Jharkhand public examination commission resigned after being summoned by CID police, and the Governor accepted their resignations.
