Jharkhand Student Protest: Minister Deepika Signals Dialogue on CGL Cancellation, CBI Probe Demand

With the agitation by students over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations entering its 24th day, the Jharkhand government has indicated that it is prepared to discuss their major demands, including the JSSC-CGL examination and calls for an independent investigation.

Ahead of another round of talks between the government and protesting students, Congress minister Deepika Pandey Singh said the government was taking the students' legitimate concerns seriously and would try to arrive at a positive decision through dialogue.

On the demand for a CBI investigation, the minister said cases related to examinations conducted by TDPL and other alleged irregularities would be investigated by the state CID. She added that if financial irregularities are found, the government could seek assistance from the Enforcement Directorate (ED), if required.

The demand for cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examination and appointments made on the basis of its results remains one of the most sensitive issues in the negotiations. Deepika Pandey Singh said the government was aware of the students' concerns but pointed out that the matter was legally and administratively complicated.

She said the results had been declared and appointment letters issued following directions of the Supreme Court, while several selected candidates had already been working in government service for more than a year. In such circumstances, cancelling the appointments would not be a straightforward decision.

However, the minister said the government would discuss the CGL issue seriously with the students during the talks and try to find a solution acceptable to all sides.

According to Deepika Pandey Singh, the students' broader concern is the credibility and security of the examination system itself. She said the government wants to introduce comprehensive reforms to make the recruitment process more transparent, secure and reliable.

As part of the proposed reforms, the government is considering forming an expert committee involving reputed institutions such as IIT, ISM, XLRI and XISS. The committee would examine the existing examination system and seek suggestions from students, parents, academics and other stakeholders before recommending changes.

The minister said the objective would be to create a system in which candidates can appear for competitive examinations without concerns over paper leaks, manipulation or other forms of malpractice.

The government's position comes amid a prolonged student agitation in Ranchi, with protesters demanding action over alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC examinations. Several students have also been observing hunger strikes, putting additional pressure on the government to find a resolution.

The upcoming talks are therefore significant for both sides. While students are seeking concrete action on their specific demands, including investigation and the CGL issue, the government appears to be focusing on a combination of examination-related investigations and long-term structural reforms.

The success of the dialogue will depend on whether the government can provide sufficiently concrete assurances on the students' immediate demands while also addressing their larger demand for a more credible and tamper-proof recruitment examination system.