No breakthrough in Jharkhand exam reform talks; ABVP clashes with police

The fate of the demand for sweeping reforms of the state’s system of conducting recruitment examinations continued to remain uncertain with talks between the Jharkhand government and protesting job aspirants failing to achieve a breakthrough on Saturday (August 8). This has left the agitation over alleged recruitment exam paper leaks unresolved. During the day, the ABVP also entered the fray as its workers entered into a scuffle with police trying to march towards the Chief Minister's residence in Ranchi.

Protest enters day 15

The development comes at a time when the protest entered its 15th day, and the demonstrators have made it clear that they would stay on the streets until their demands were accepted in full.

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Protesters are seeking an independent inquiry by either the CBI or a panel of retired High Court judges from outside Jharkhand. So far, 19 people have been arrested in connection with alleged irregularities. Former JPSC chairman L Khiangte has also been questioned four times since July 28.

Government holds talks

A five-member government panel, including three ministers, met several student and aspirant groups during the day.

The first round of discussions was held with the JPSC JSSC Candidates’ Forum, led by JLKM leader Devendra Nath Mahto, who has been on an indefinite fast for seven days. The panel later met representatives of the NSUI, ACS and the ruling JMM’s student wing, Jharkhand Chhatra Morcha (JCM).

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The meetings came a day after another round of discussions took place with the JPSC/JSSC Reforms Manch.

Speaking to reporters after the talks, Minister Sanjay Prasad Yadav said that the concerns raised by the aspirants would be conveyed to Chief Minister Hemant Soren. “Demands of protesting aspirants are genuine; we will place these before Chief Minister Hemant Soren,” he added.

Demands remain unchanged

But the protest leaders made it clear that verbal assurances would not be enough to end the agitation. JCM sought cancellation of the 14th Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) Civil Services Examination while the NSUI demanded a CID probe into all disputed JPSC and JSSC examinations within 90 days. The outfit also demanded a Jharkhand Testing Agency modelled on the National Testing Agency.

The meeting between the government delegation and Mahto’s group lasted nearly two hours.

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“The government assured us of a quick decision to resolve the issues raised by us. However, our protests will continue until all our demands, including cancellation of the 14th JPSC exam, are met,” a forum leader said.

Mahto reiterated the central demand of the movement. “We have been demanding immediate cancellation of the 14th Jharkhand PSC Civil Services Examination, and all exams conducted by that agency,” he said.

Health concerns mount

“My health condition is deteriorating day by day. Blood pressure and sugar levels are dropping. The doctor informed me about a chest infection and advised hospital admission. If these conditions continue, it will be dangerous for me. I am only able to listen, think, and speak slowly,” added Mahato.

The unrest spilt onto the streets as well. ABVP members marching towards the chief minister’s residence in Ranchi clashed with police after attempting to cross barricades. Eight to 10 protesters were detained.

The organisation said the march was meant to back students demanding cancellation of the 14th JPSC examination.

(With agency inputs)