The Jharkhand government has invited students protesting over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations for another round of talks on Monday, an official said.
Government invites students for fresh talks
The decision followed a meeting between the Sub-Divisional Officer and the ADM, Law and Order, and protesting students at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, where the agitation is being held.
“The protesters have been invited for talks on August 17 at 2 pm. The students have been offered the proposal to participate in the discussions along with their legal advisor,” the official said.
The latest invitation comes after six rounds of discussions between representatives of the Jharkhand government and the protesting students failed to resolve the dispute.
Students agree to talks but hold firm on demands
The ‘JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch’, which is leading the agitation, has accepted the government's proposal for another meeting at the State Guest House.
However, the students have made it clear that agreeing to talks does not mean they are backing down from their demands.
The discussions will be held in the presence of the students' legal advisor, JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch leader Ravindra Paswan told reporters.
“We will definitely go for the talks as we want to resolve the issue through dialogue. But, we are firm on two demands – a CBI probe into irregularities in recruitment tests and cancellation of the JSSC-CGL (Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission-Combine Graduate Level) exams,” Paswan said.
Protest enters 23rd day
The students have been demanding an investigation into alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations, along with the cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examination.
Paswan said the names of students who will form the delegation for Monday's meeting with the government panel will be announced on Monday.
The previous round of talks, held on August 9, ended without a breakthrough. The protest has now entered its 23rd day, with the students continuing their agitation at the stadium.
The fresh meeting is expected to provide another opportunity for both sides to discuss the students' demands and attempt to find a resolution to the ongoing standoff.