Ranchi: The ongoing dispute over the language policy for the Jharkhand Teacher Eligibility Test (JTET) remained unresolved after the second meeting of a five-member ministerial committee failed to reach a consensus on Friday. The final decision is now expected to be taken by Chief Minister Hemant Soren.
The high-level committee was formed following controversy over the recently approved JTET language rules, which excluded Bhojpuri, Magahi, Maithili and Angika from the list of regional languages allowed in the examination.
The meeting, held in Ranchi, was chaired by Finance Minister Radha Krishna Kishore. However, ministers remained divided on the issue, especially regarding the inclusion of the four excluded languages.
Minister Sanjay Prasad Yadav and Rural Development Minister Deepika Pandey Singh supported the inclusion of Bhojpuri, Magahi, Maithili and Angika, arguing that lakhs of aspirants in border districts commonly speak these languages and excluding them would create difficulties for candidates.
Several members also raised concerns over the current language framework, particularly the provision requiring candidates to select one among 15 tribal languages. Ministers pointed out that many of these languages are not commonly spoken in districts like Palamu, Garhwa and Chatra, which could place candidates from those areas at a disadvantage.
During the discussion, Minister Sudivya Kumar Sonu questioned the composition of the committee itself. He argued that a sensitive matter related to language and cultural identity should also include representation from Scheduled Tribes and minority communities.
The committee had earlier asked the Personnel and Education departments to provide data on language preferences chosen by candidates in previous examinations. However, officials reportedly failed to present clear figures even during Friday’s meeting, leading to criticism from several ministers over inadequate preparation.
After the meeting, Radha Krishna Kishore said all suggestions and disagreements raised during the discussions are being compiled, and a detailed report will be submitted to Chief Minister Hemant Soren within the next few days.
With inputs from IANS