The Jharkhand government is likely to cancel three examinations following talks with protesting students on Sunday over alleged irregularities in the recruitment process, people familiar with the matter said.
The exams likely to be cancelled are the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) 2023 and 2025 examinations and the 14th preliminary examination, according to sources.
The student protest entered its 16th day on Sunday, with several candidates demanding action against those allegedly responsible for irregularities in the examinations.
Six Students on Hunger Strike
The latest meeting came after several rounds of talks between the government, led by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, and student groups over the past two days failed to produce a solution.
Student leader Devendra Nath Mahto has been on an indefinite hunger strike, raising concerns over his health. Another student, Rahul Krantim, is also on hunger strike and is currently under medical supervision.
In total, six protesters are on hunger strike.
During Sunday's meeting, the state government also expressed its willingness to have financial transactions linked to the alleged examination irregularities examined by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), sources said.
All TDPL-Conducted Exams to Face Scrutiny
The government has also decided to scrutinise examinations conducted by TSR Data Processing Pvt Ltd (TDPL), a private testing agency based in Lucknow.
As part of efforts to reform the recruitment examination system, the state government will approach IIM and XISS for assistance in reviewing and improving the functioning of the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC).
Over the past few days, the government has held several rounds of discussions with different student organisations, including the Congress's student wing NSUI, Jharkhand Chhatra Morcha (JCM) and Adivasi Chhatra Sangh (ACS).
Hemant Soren Assures Students of Transparent Justice
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Chief Minister Hemant Soren said that some people were attempting to spread misinformation and mislead others as the government strengthened its position.
Soren stressed that dialogue, rather than force, was the way to resolve disputes.
He said that batons and bullets were meant for dealing with enemies at the country's borders and had no place in dealing with citizens raising their concerns.
Addressing the protesting youth, Soren said their concerns were also the government's concerns and assured them that justice would be delivered transparently.
He also referred to the recent student protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, where police action had taken place.
19 Arrested in JPSC Irregularities Case
So far, 19 people have been arrested in connection with the alleged irregularities in the JPSC examinations.
Former JPSC panel chairperson L Khiangte has also been questioned four times since July 28 as part of the investigation.
With the government now considering cancellation of three examinations and promising wider scrutiny of the examination system, students are awaiting the final decision and further action from the state authorities.
