NEW DELHI: The Centre on Thursday said it was ready to hold talks with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) “at any time” over its ongoing agitation. Union minister Jitendra Singh said that the government had sent four formal proposals for discussions since last afternoon.Addressing reporters, Singh said the government had extended an open invitation to the protesters and was willing to hold discussions either at Union health minister JP Nadda’s office or residence.“The government has sent four formal proposals for discussions with their representatives since last afternoon. This is a standing invitation to all our youth friends that the government is ready for discussions on all issues at your convenience, at any time,” Singh said.He added that both he and Nadda would be present for the talks and stressed that the government was “not standing on prestige” over the venue.“Discussions can take place either at JP Nadda’s office or residence. We do not stand on prestige. Slowly, by way of discussion, we will progress towards a solution. This is part of the series of continuous steps taken by the government for the welfare of the students. Humbly, I appeal to you all to come and have discussions,” he said.Earlier in the day, Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman defended the Centre’s handling of the alleged NEET paper leak controversy, saying the government had acted promptly against those responsible and that criticism from the opposition would have been understandable only if the Centre had failed to respond.“If the government is not sensitive or not reacting, I can understand the opposition going on a tirade like this,” Sitharaman said.She said those allegedly involved in leaking examination papers had already been arrested and referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement of a fast-track mechanism to ensure swift punishment for those responsible.“Today’s announcement assures citizens and parents that those who committed this terrible crime against the young generation of our country will be punished at the earliest,” she said.Sitharaman also said the government’s response had ensured that the examination process continued with minimal disruption and noted that many students had overcome the setback caused by the alleged paper leak and performed well despite the controversy.The Centre’s fresh outreach comes as the CJP’s protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar entered its 34th day on Thursday.The party has been demanding the resignation of Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan, accountability over the alleged NEET paper leak, and reforms in the examination system.On Wednesday, the CJP rejected the government’s earlier invitation to meet at JP Nadda’s residence, saying any dialogue should take place at or near Jantar Mantar, where protesters have been holding their sit-in.The party, however, said it remained open to talks at a neutral venue close to the protest site.
