Kathmandu— Student leaders in Jharkhand announced they would continue their protests despite the state government agreeing to consider canceling several Public Service Commission (PSC) and Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) examinations on Sunday. The ongoing agitation centers around allegations of irregularities in recruitment processes, with protesters specifically demanding a CBI inquiry into the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) exam and other recent tests. Talks between student representatives and a state government delegation yielded some concessions regarding potential cancellations and investigations by CID and ED agencies, but failed to resolve the core demand for a federal investigation.

Government Offers Concessions

The Jharkhand government has agreed to consider canceling the 14th JPSC Civil Services Examination, along with the JPSC Backlog 2023 and JPSC Backlog 2025 exams. Ravindra Paswan, a student leader involved in the negotiations, stated that the government also proposed investigations by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) into all examinations conducted by the TDPL agency. Most demands related to recruitment reforms were accepted, though disagreements remained regarding age relaxation.

CBI Inquiry Remains Key Demand

Despite the concessions, protesters are steadfast in their demand for a CBI investigation into the CGL examination. While the government proposed a judicial inquiry led by a retired judge – with potential ED involvement if financial irregularities are found – student leaders like Paswan insist on a federal probe. Kunal, another student leader, affirmed that the Vidhan Sabha gherao protest would continue peacefully until their demand is met.

JPSC Commission Resignations Accepted

In a related development, Jharkhand Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar accepted the resignations of three members of the JPSC Commission – Ajita Bhattacharya, Anima Hansda, and Jamal Ahmed – following a recommendation from the state government. This decision comes amid mounting pressure to address concerns about transparency and fairness in the recruitment process.

The Jharkhand government has announced a multi-pronged action plan including CID probes, ED investigations, a fast-track court, and an expert committee for recruitment reforms, but protests are expected to continue until the demand for a CBI inquiry is addressed.

(With inputs from ANI)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.