Ranchi Update: Govt Begins Talks With Devendra Mahto-Led Student Group Amid Day 15 Protest

The student agitation in Ranchi has entered its 15th day, with the second group of protesters now reaching the State Guest House for talks with the Jharkhand government. The meeting between the government delegation and the eight-member student delegation is expected to begin shortly. The student group led by Devendra Nath Mahto has been continuing its protest and hunger strike while pressing for action over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations. The government delegation includes four ministers who are scheduled to hear the demands raised by the protesting students. Mahto has divided the demands into two categories—urgent short-term demands and issues requiring a longer-term reform process. Among the immediate demands is cancellation of all examinations conducted by TDPL, which the protesters have described as a blacklisted agency. The group is also demanding a CBI inquiry along with an Enforcement Directorate investigation into the alleged irregularities. The protesters have pointed to developments following the announcement of the PT result on July 2 and allegations of irregularities raised on July 5. They have also cited arrests and raids as evidence of action already taken, while insisting that a wider investigation is necessary. The latest meeting comes a day after the government held talks with representatives of the first student group. That discussion lasted around one hour and 20 minutes but failed to produce a concrete resolution. Students said their concerns were heard and their demands were acknowledged, but maintained that the agitation would continue.