Jharkhand protestors form 11-member panel for talks with government over recruitment exam row

Students and job aspirants protesting alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations in Jharkhand on Thursday announced the formation of an 11-member delegation to hold talks with the state government, a day after Chief Minister Hemant Soren said his doors were open for dialogue.

The protests, which began on July 25 under the banner of the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi, have grown into one of the largest student-led movements in the state in recent years.

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"We have formed an 11-member delegation, comprising eight students, two experts (journalists) and an advocate in response to the government's offer to hold talks in connection with the stir," an office bearer of the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch said.

According to the organisers, the journalists and advocate will only play an advisory role during the discussions.

"The role of journalists and the advocate will be limited to providing guidance as we want peaceful talks and resolve the issue," the office-bearer said.

The protestors have been demanding the cancellation of the 14th Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) Civil Services Examination, alleging irregularities in the recruitment process. They have also sought an independent investigation into the matter, either by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or by a panel of retired high court judges from outside Jharkhand.

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In addition, the agitators have called for comprehensive reforms in both the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC).

On Wednesday, Soren said that question paper leaks had become a "national problem" and reiterated that his government was willing to engage with the protestors to find a resolution to the impasse.