JPSC – Student Delegation to Meet Jharkhand Government Over Exam Demands
JPSC – An eight-member delegation representing the JPSC-JSSC Aspirants Justice Forum will meet the government-appointed delegation at the State Guest House in Ranchi on Saturday morning. The discussions are expected to focus on the demands raised by students following allegations of irregularities in competitive examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission.
Students Continue Protest Over Examination Irregularities
The student group has been protesting since July 5, following allegations concerning the 14th Civil Services Preliminary Examination conducted by JPSC on July 2. The protesters have maintained that several issues surrounding the examination require clarification and an independent investigation.
The demonstration has now entered its 15th day of indefinite hunger strike at the Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi. Student leader Devendra Nath Mahto has also been observing a hunger strike for the past six days in support of the demands raised by the protesting aspirants.
Security Tightened Ahead of Government Meeting
Security arrangements have been strengthened around the State Guest House ahead of the scheduled meeting between the student representatives and government officials. The deployment comes as authorities prepare for discussions with the eight-member delegation selected by the protesting students.
Before the delegation left for the meeting, a medical team examined the vital signs and health condition of students participating in the hunger strike at the stadium. Medical monitoring has continued as the prolonged protest raises concerns about the physical well-being of those observing the fast.
Delegation Heads to Circuit House for Talks
A designated group of student protesters also left for the Circuit House in Ranchi on Saturday to participate in discussions with representatives of the Jharkhand government. The meeting is intended to provide an opportunity for both sides to discuss the issues raised by the aspirants.
Devendra Nath Mahto said before the meeting that the students’ demands would remain the same regardless of the government representatives involved in the discussions. He said the delegation was going to the meeting because earlier discussions had not resulted in the resolution sought by the protesters.
According to Mahto, the number of students participating in the meeting was not important because the delegation was representing the collective demands of the protesting aspirants.
Protesters Seek Cancellation and Independent Probe
Among the principal demands of the protesters is the cancellation of JSSC CGL, JSSC JE and PGT examinations conducted after 2019. The students have also called for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the alleged irregularities associated with the examinations.
The protesters are seeking strict action against individuals or agencies allegedly involved in any wrongdoing. They have also demanded the publication of category-wise cut-offs for candidates belonging to UR, EWS, BC-I, BC-II, SC and ST categories.
Students Demand Greater Transparency in Recruitment
The aspirants have further called for the release of OMR sheets and response sheets so that candidates can independently verify aspects of the examination and evaluation process. They say greater access to examination-related records would improve transparency and help address concerns raised by candidates.
Another major demand is the introduction of a structured recruitment calendar based on the model followed by national recruitment bodies such as UPSC and SSC. The protesters believe a predictable examination and recruitment schedule would provide greater clarity to candidates preparing for government jobs in Jharkhand.
The outcome of Saturday’s discussions between the student delegation and government representatives is expected to determine whether further talks or steps will follow in the ongoing protest.