Ranchi, Jharkhand: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Friday said his government was ready to hold talks with students protesting over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations, asserting that a "big and strong reform" is on the anvil.
Speaking to reporters on the Assembly premises after the House was adjourned for the day over the students' protest, Soren said the government was committed to addressing their concerns.
"We are ready to hold talks. The state government is eager to know the problems of every student. All the students from across the state can give their thoughts on the issues. We will move forward with a big and strong reform according to the students' demands," Soren said.
He reiterated that the government was serious about resolving the issues and invited students from across Jharkhand to present their grievances.
The protesters have been demanding the cancellation of the 14th Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) Civil Services Examination and an independent investigation into the alleged irregularities, either by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or a panel of retired High Court judges from outside the state.
They have also sought comprehensive reforms in the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC).
Soren said the government had already offered a platform for dialogue with the students.
According to an official, a five-member government panel, including ministers Dipika Pandey Singh and Sudivya Kumar, is expected to hold discussions with the protesters.
The students have also formed an 11-member delegation to engage with the government in an effort to resolve the impasse.
The protest over the alleged recruitment exam irregularities entered its 14th day on Friday, with six demonstrators continuing their hunger strike, while two student unions staged a march to the Vidhan Sabha.
However, the deadlock continues, with protesting students and job aspirants alleging that they have not yet received a formal invitation from the state government for talks on their demands.