The Centre on Thursday stepped up efforts to end the CJP-led protest, saying it has sent four formal proposals for talks with student representatives in the last 24 hours. Union Minister Jitendra Singh said the government was ready to hold discussions at any time and at a venue convenient to the protesters, including Union Health Minister JP Nadda's office or residence, stressing that dialogue remained the only way to resolve the impasse.
Centre Renews Offer For Talks
Addressing the media, Singh said the government had repeatedly reached out to the protesting students since Wednesday afternoon.
"The government has sent four formal proposals for discussions with their representatives since last afternoon," he said, adding that the invitation remained open.
He said the Centre was willing to discuss not only the issues that triggered the agitation but also any other concerns raised by students.
"The government is ready for discussions at your convenience, at any time and for as long as you wish. We do not stand on prestige," Singh said.
He added that both he and Union Health Minister JP Nadda would be present for the meeting, which could be held either at Nadda's office or residence, depending on the students' preference.
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'Please Come Forward'
Making a fresh appeal, Singh urged the protesters to engage in dialogue in the larger interest of the student community.
"Please come forward so that we find a way out of this situation in the larger interest of the students, the youth and the nation," he said.
The minister also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks earlier in the day, saying the Prime Minister had reiterated that the welfare of students remained the government's top priority.
According to Singh, the Prime Minister had also announced the setting up of fast-track courts to ensure speedy trials in cases related to recent paper leak allegations, so that those responsible could be brought to justice without delay.
Reiterating the Centre's position, Singh said the government's doors remained open and that discussions could begin whenever the students chose.
The CJP has been protesting at Delhi's Jantar Mantar over the alleged NEET paper leak and has been demanding accountability over examination irregularities, reforms in the education system and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The Centre has maintained that it is willing to engage with the protesters through dialogue to find a resolution.
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