Jharkhand Students End Hunger Strike After Exam Cancellation
Students Conclude Hunger Strike Following Government Decision
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Ranchi, Aug 18: Four students, including prominent student leader Devendra Nath Mahto, concluded their hunger strike on Tuesday after the Jharkhand government announced the cancellation of all examinations held by the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) and TDPL. Despite this, the JPSC-JSSC Reform Forum has stated that their protests will persist, demanding a CBI investigation into alleged irregularities in the recruitment exams.
The hunger strike was officially ended around 1:15 a.m. at Ranchi Sadar Hospital, where the four protesters—Devendra Nath Mahto, Umm-e-Habiba, Prem Nayak, and Kush Mahto—were offered juice by Ministers Deepika Pandey Singh and Irfan Ansari to mark the conclusion of their fast.
After breaking their fast, Mahto expressed, “On the 16th day of our hunger strike, we have decided to end our fast with dignity. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of Jharkhand Health Minister Irfan Ansari, Minister Deepika Pandey, and our MLA Jairam Mahto, we have chosen to suspend our hunger strike. Our constitutional and peaceful demands have been met...”
Jairam Kumar Mahato, president of JLKM, praised the government's decision, labeling it historic. “I sincerely thank the government. This is a landmark decision, especially since the CGL examination process was already at the joining stage. Nevertheless, the government acknowledged the students' sentiments...” he remarked.
The cancellation of all JSSC-CGL and TDPL examinations was decided during a special Cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Monday.
This announcement sparked celebrations among students gathered at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium. Despite inclement weather, protesters embraced, shared sweets, chanted slogans, and celebrated with colors and fireworks, viewing the cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examination as a significant victory after 24 days of protests.
However, the students clarified that their movement is not entirely over. Their primary outstanding demand is a CBI investigation into alleged recruitment exam irregularities.
Ravindra Paswan, spokesperson for the JPSC-JSSC Reform Forum, noted that while the government has met their crucial demand by canceling the exams, no decision has been made regarding the CBI inquiry. He stated that the protests would continue until there is clarity on this matter.
Student leader Piyush Kumar described the government's decision as the “first major victory,” but highlighted that several issues, including the 11th to 13th JPSC Civil Services Examination, remain unresolved. The protesters plan to assess the government's decision and official notification before determining their next steps.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren previously indicated that investigations by the SIT and CID into the JSSC-CGL issue had uncovered significant and alarming facts, suggesting possible collusion among various agencies.
The government has also committed to a thorough investigation into recruitment examinations conducted by the JPSC and JSSC since 2014. Additionally, a committee led by IAS officer Amitabh Kaushal has been established to propose reforms aimed at enhancing transparency in the examination process and preventing future irregularities.