RANCHI: The agitation by students over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) entered its 12th day on Wednesday, with protesters announcing plans to step up their movement through a proposed ‘Tiranga March’ and a statewide gherao of the Jharkhand Assembly on August 10.Speaking at the protest site, student leader Jivan Kumar said a core committee meeting would be held later in the day to decide on the Tiranga March. He added that five protesters had begun an indefinite hunger strike on Tuesday evening and that leaders from the Congress and its student wing were expected to join the agitation in support of their demands.“Today is the 12th day of our protest. Congress state leaders and the national leaders of Congress’ student organisation are likely to come here to support our movement. We will discuss the ‘Tiranga March’ during our core committee meeting later today. Five of our friends have been on a hunger strike since last evening. On August 10, people from across Jharkhand will gherao the Assembly while the session is in progress,” Kumar said.Amid the continuing protest, Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren said the government was taking allegations of irregularities in the JPSC and JSSC recruitment examinations “very seriously” and assured students that action would be taken in accordance with constitutional and legal provisions.The statement was Soren’s first public response since demonstrations began over alleged paper leaks and other irregularities in the recruitment process.Addressing reporters after an event in Ramgarh district’s Nemra village on the first death anniversary of Dishom Guru Shibu Soren, the chief minister said the government remained committed to ensuring justice for the state’s youth.“This is a sensitive government that believes in delivering justice. Whenever we take up an issue, we remain committed to resolving it. Our young people will certainly get justice within the ambit of the Constitution and the law,” Soren said.He asserted that the government fully understood the seriousness of the issue and would take an appropriate decision in the interest of students.“I cannot tear open my chest to show how serious we are, but the government is taking this matter very seriously. This government has eyes, ears and sensitivity. Whatever is appropriate and in the interest of students, the state government will decide accordingly,” he added.Soren said the government was awaiting reports from the agencies investigating the allegations before taking a final call.“We are waiting for the findings and conclusions of the investigating agencies. The people of the state will soon be informed in detail about the matter. Students will receive full support in accordance with constitutional and legal provisions,” he said.He further said the administration was closely tracking the developments and that the probe into the alleged irregularities was progressing. The government’s final decision, he added, would be announced after examining the findings submitted by the investigating agencies.
