Ranchi, Aug 6: The Congress on Thursday threw its weight behind the ongoing students’ agitation in Jharkhand over alleged irregularities in the JPSC, JSSC CGL and other recruitment examinations, while welcoming the Hemant Soren government’s decision to constitute a ministerial panel for talks with the protesters.
Jharkhand Congress in-charge K Raju said the party stands firmly with the agitating students in their demand for justice and expressed hope that dialogue would lead to a constructive resolution.
“The Congress in Jharkhand stands in support of the agitating students for justice in Ranchi,” Raju said.
Leaders of the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) and the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), including their national office-bearers, joined the protest in Ranchi in a show of solidarity. A Congress delegation led by Raju also met Chief Minister Hemant Soren and submitted a memorandum highlighting the students’ concerns.
“We thanked the Chief Minister for his empathetic and positive action in constituting a ministerial committee to consult with the protesting students and recommend concrete solutions. Justice for our students remains our top priority,” Raju said.
The developments come amid intensifying protests by students demanding the cancellation of the JPSC, JSSC CGL and all recruitment examinations conducted by TSR Data Processing Private Limited (TDPL), alleging widespread irregularities. The protesters are also seeking a CBI and Enforcement Directorate (ED) probe into the alleged recruitment scam and comprehensive structural reforms in the state’s recruitment system.
Escalating their agitation, the students have announced a “Vidhan Sabha Gherao” on August 10 if their demands remain unaddressed. The proposed march coincides with the ongoing Monsoon Session of the Jharkhand Assembly, where the issue is expected to figure prominently.
Student protester Radhe Kumar warned that the agitation would intensify if the government failed to act.
“The blockade (gherao) of the Legislative Assembly is scheduled for August 10. If our demands are not met, hundreds of thousands of us will march to surround the Legislative Assembly,” he said.
Kumar reiterated that the protesters were demanding the cancellation of all disputed recruitment examinations conducted through TDPL, followed by a CBI and ED investigation and sweeping reforms in the JPSC, JSSC and recruitment process.
“This movement will not be suppressed,” he asserted.
Responding to the growing unrest, State Minister Radhakrishna Kishore said the government had already constituted a panel of cabinet ministers to engage with student representatives and resolve the issue through dialogue.
“A team of cabinet ministers has been formed to hold discussions with them. The government is committed to the welfare of the state’s youth and students, and to ensuring that they receive justice,” Kishore said, appealing to the protesters to begin talks.
He reiterated that the Hemant Soren government was serious about addressing the alleged recruitment irregularities and remained committed to taking appropriate action with sensitivity.
Despite the government’s invitation for dialogue, the protesting students maintained that their agitation would continue until all their demands, including cancellation of the examinations, an independent investigation and systemic reforms, are fulfilled.
