98% Demands Addressed, But Jharkhand Students Refuse to End Protest Over CBI Probe

The Jharkhand government on Sunday agreed to cancel the 14th JPSC Civil Services Examination and said it had addressed 98 per cent of the demands raised by protesting students, but the 16-day agitation continued as the government and aspirants remained divided over a CBI investigation and cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examination.

The decision followed the sixth round of talks between the government and student representatives. Besides cancelling the 14th JPSC examination, the government proposed a CID probe into criminal allegations and an ED investigation into any financial transactions. It also proposed a fast-track court, charge sheets within 90 days against those found responsible and an expert committee involving IIT-ISM, IIM Ranchi and XLRI to recommend recruitment reforms.

The students, however, refused to call off their agitation. Their key demand remains a CBI probe, which they say would provide an independent examination of the allegations. The government has proposed CID and ED investigations but has not publicly given a detailed explanation for why it is not accepting the CBI demand.

Another major sticking point is the JSSC-CGL examination. Students want it cancelled, while the government has argued that it cannot simply scrap an examination conducted under court directions, with results already declared and successful candidates having joined service.

The standoff is becoming increasingly urgent. Six students are on indefinite hunger strike, with student leader Devendra Nath Mahto's health deteriorating. Protesters have announced a peaceful march towards the Jharkhand Assembly at 10 am on August 10 if the deadlock continues.

Meanwhile, 19 people have reportedly been arrested over alleged JPSC irregularities, while former JPSC chairperson L Khiangte has been questioned. Three serving JPSC members were also reported to have resigned on Sunday amid the controversy.

The agitation has attracted wider attention, with actor-singer Piyush Mishra visiting protesters and MLA Jairam Mahto observing a day-long fast.