





Photo: Reporter Post
Amid the ongoing student agitation over the JPSC-JSSC issue, Minister Shilpi Neha Tirkey has clarified a statement that had triggered controversy among protesting students. The minister said her remarks had been taken out of context and presented in a distorted manner. She also said student leader Ravindra Paswan had misunderstood what she was trying to convey.
Reference to August 12 meeting
Tirkey said she had visited Ranchi Sadar Hospital on August 12, where she met students who were on hunger strike and had been injured during the ongoing agitation.
According to the minister, she later spoke to the media about the student delegation that had met government representatives. She said her remarks were specifically about who was part of that delegation.
Minister reiterates her statement
Tirkey said she wanted to clarify her position once again. She maintained that when she spoke to the media on August 12, she had clearly stated that none of the students who were on hunger strike was part of the delegation that met government representatives.
She further alleged that her statement was being circulated on social media after being separated from its original context, creating confusion over what she had actually said.



Statement adds to political activity around JPSC-JSSC protest
The student movement over alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC examinations has continued to intensify. Protesters have been demanding cancellation of the examinations and corrective measures in the recruitment process, while discussions between student representatives and the government have also taken place.
Against this backdrop, the minister's remarks about the student delegation became a fresh point of contention.
Tirkey's clarification has now put the focus back on the protesting students and their leaders. Their response is likely to determine whether the issue settles after the minister's explanation or becomes another point of confrontation in the ongoing JPSC-JSSC agitation.

