Jharkhand Protest: Students Agree to Talks with Government, Set Key Condition

The student protest over alleged irregularities in the JPSC and JSSC examinations in Jharkhand has entered its 13th day, with demonstrators continuing their sit-in at Ranchi’s Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium despite heavy rain. Student leaders have now agreed to hold talks with the state government but have placed a key condition: the discussions must take place in the presence of the media rather than behind closed doors to ensure complete transparency. They have also stated that the protest will continue until all three of their demands are accepted. The protesters are demanding the cancellation of examinations conducted by TDPL, a CBI investigation into the alleged recruitment scam, and comprehensive reforms to the examination system. Earlier, Chief Minister Hemant Soren invited a five-member delegation of students for discussions, and senior district officials conveyed the government's invitation at the protest site. However, the students reiterated their insistence on an open dialogue. The agitation has gained momentum, with participants alleging long-standing corruption in recruitment examinations and calling for accountability and systemic reforms to restore confidence in the selection process.