Jharkhand student protests: Govt says 98% demands accepted, students call claim ‘lies’

Jharkhand Ministers Dipika Pandey, Sanjay Prasad Yadav and Sudipto Sonu address the media along with the student leader Kunal Pratap Singh after the meeting at the State Guest House in Ranchi. (ANI Photo)While the government claims to have conceded nearly all major student demands.

Minister Sudivya Kumar Sonu said authorities acted in good faith to resolve the crisis. He said the government is fully prepared to constitute an independent inquiry committee, headed by a retired judge, to thoroughly investigate all alleged irregularities in the CGL process.

What Happened

Despite the assurances, student leaders remain completely unsatisfied. The agitating students sought support from political parties and common people for their ongoing peaceful democratic protest and proposed ‘Vidhan Sabha March’ on Monday.

• “The government has accepted 98% of the students’ demands to ensure a fair academic and recruitment environment,” Sonu said.

• Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar accepted the resignation of Ajeeta Bhattacharya, Anima Hansda and Jamal Ahmad, said the Lok Bhavan.

• Meanwhile, three Jharkhand Public Service Commission members resigned on Sunday after CID summoned them over alleged irregularities.

Key Details

“Our administration remains deeply committed to safeguarding the future of the youth,” he said.

• At an event, CM Soren promised that the state would ensure complete justice and enforce the strictest punishments against anyone found guilty of compromising the examination processes.

• The Jharkhand Police imposed prohibitory orders around the assembly premises and made elaborate security arrangements across the city in view of the march called by students.

• Addressing a press conference in Ranchi, the demonstrators said they would not allow anti-social elements to disrupt their democratic agitation.

What Reports Say

Coverage of the story so far points to:

• Continued reporting by Hindustan Times as more details emerge