Student protesters demanding action over alleged irregularities in Jharkhand's recruitment examinations have agreed in principle to hold talks with the state government but have insisted that Chief Minister Hemant Soren personally attend the meeting in the presence of the media.

The development comes as the student agitation entered its second week, with several protesters continuing an indefinite hunger strike while demanding a CBI and Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigation into the alleged recruitment scam involving the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and other examinations.

Students Set Conditions for Dialogue

Student leader Ravindra Paswan, who is leading the protest at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi, said government officials approached the protesters with a proposal for talks on Wednesday.

According to Paswan, the students have accepted the invitation but want the discussions to be held publicly with Chief Minister Hemant Soren present and at least two media representatives allowed to witness the proceedings.

He said officials have sought the names of student representatives, after which the government is expected to finalise the date and venue for the meeting.

The protesters also alleged that limiting discussions to a small delegation could weaken the movement and dilute their demands.

Hunger Strike Continues

Six student leaders, including Devendra Nath Mahto, remain on an indefinite hunger strike over the alleged examination irregularities.

Earlier, environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk spoke to Mahto through a video call and appealed to him to consume water considering his deteriorating health.

Following Wangchuk's appeal, Mahto ended his waterless fast but continued his indefinite hunger strike, saying the agitation would continue until concrete action is announced.

Five More Arrested in Probe

Meanwhile, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) intensified its investigation into the alleged recruitment irregularities.

Late Wednesday night, investigators arrested five more accused, including Rakshak Singh, an accountant associated with TSR Data Processing Pvt Ltd (TDPL), the outsourced agency that conducted the examination.

With the latest arrests, the total number of people taken into custody in the case has risen to 19.

How the Controversy Began

The controversy surfaced after the Jharkhand Public Service Commission declared the results of the 14th Combined Civil Services Preliminary Examination on July 2, with 2,204 candidates qualifying for the mains examination.

Soon after the results were announced, candidates alleged multiple irregularities, including the absence of officially declared cut-off marks.

An alleged OMR sheet circulated on social media further fuelled the controversy. Protesters claimed the candidate had attempted only 48 questions but was still shortlisted for the mains examination.

Questions were also raised over the result notification, with candidates alleging that it did not carry the signatures of JPSC officials.

Amid mounting criticism, the Commission cancelled the scheduled mains examination.

Government Forms Ministerial Committee

In an effort to resolve the impasse, the Jharkhand government has constituted a four-member ministerial committee to engage with the protesters.

The panel comprises Higher Education Minister Sudivya Kumar Sonu, Rural Development Minister Deepika Pandey Singh, Welfare Minister Chamra Linda, and Industries Minister Sanjay Prasad Yadav.

Chief Minister Hemant Soren held a meeting with the ministers before extending the invitation for dialogue. Although discussions were initiated, no breakthrough was achieved on Wednesday.

The students have reiterated that they are willing to negotiate but insist the Chief Minister participate directly and publicly address their concerns.