Jharkhand job aspirants in 7th round of talks as hunger strike enters day 16

The Jharkhand government has invited student protesters for the seventh round of talks on Monday, as their agitation over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations entered its 24th day. Four to six protesters remain on hunger strike, with student leader Devendra Nath Mahto on his 16th day of fasting. The talks are scheduled for 2 pm at the State Guest House in Ranchi, and students have been allowed to bring legal advisors.

The JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch, leading the protest, has demanded a CBI probe into the irregularities and cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examination. Previous rounds of talks failed to yield a breakthrough. The New Indian Express reports that protesters have announced a plan to gherao Chief Minister Hemant Soren's residence on August 20, demanding his resignation, and have burnt effigies of Soren, Rahul Gandhi, and Tejashwi Yadav.

Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi has backed the demand for a CBI probe, saying the government should not fear it. The Congress said its state unit would discuss the issue on August 18. The government has proposed measures including a time-bound examination calendar and technology-secured exams, and has launched a campaign to gather suggestions on exam reforms.