Ranchi, 09 August (H.S.): The Jharkhand government on Sunday initiated another round of talks with students protesting alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations, as the agitation entered its 16th day. The fresh discussions came amid growing concern over the deteriorating health of student leader Devendra Nath Mahto, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike in Ranchi.

The latest round of talks followed several meetings between government representatives and student organisations on Friday night and throughout Saturday. However, those discussions failed to resolve the deadlock. The protesting students have been demanding greater transparency and corrective measures over alleged irregularities in the state’s recruitment examination process.

A section of the protesting students has criticised the government’s decision to hold another round of talks, describing it as a political manoeuvre rather than a genuine effort to address their demands.

Meanwhile, Mahto’s health condition reportedly deteriorated sharply at around 3 am on Sunday. He has been observing an indefinite hunger strike at Ranchi’s Jaipal Singh Stadium for nearly a week. Doctors monitoring his condition recorded his blood glucose level at 53, raising concerns over the impact of the prolonged fast on his health.

The student agitation has intensified over allegations of irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted in the state. Protesters have been seeking a fair and transparent examination process and action against those responsible for any alleged discrepancies.

The controversy has also put pressure on the state administration to address concerns surrounding recruitment examinations and the wider selection process. Student groups have maintained that their demands must be addressed through concrete measures rather than assurances.

With the protest continuing for more than two weeks and the health of a key student leader deteriorating, Sunday’s fresh round of government-student talks is being closely watched. The outcome could determine whether the prolonged agitation is brought to an end or continues in the days ahead.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar