Ranchi: The agitation by aspirants demanding action on issues related to the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) has entered its 24th day, with student protesters continuing their indefinite hunger strike at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi.
Four students, including protester Prem Nayak, are currently observing the hunger strike as the larger movement continues to press the state government over their demands.
A fresh meeting between representatives of the protesting students and the Jharkhand government is scheduled for Monday. The proposed talks come amid mounting pressure from the students, who have maintained that their concerns require immediate attention from the state authorities.
Student leader Ravindra Paswan said the protesters would participate in the discussions but insisted that Chief Minister Hemant Soren should also be present. He said the students were not prepared to dilute their demands and expected the government to address them seriously.
Paswan also criticised the government’s response to the agitation, claiming that meaningful engagement had come only after several days of continued protest. He referred to the August 10 demonstration and said the government had subsequently initiated another round of talks.
The protesting students have set August 18 as a deadline for the government to accept their demands. Paswan warned that failure to reach an agreement could lead to an escalation, including a proposed gherao of the Chief Minister’s residence with a larger number of students joining the movement.
The outcome of Monday’s talks is expected to determine the next course of action for the protesters, who have indicated that the agitation will continue unless their demands are addressed.
