Hunger Strike Adds Pressure as Jharkhand Government Struggles to Resolve Student Protest

Hunger Strike Adds Pressure as Jharkhand Government Struggles to Resolve Student Protest
Jitendra Kumar
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The Jharkhand government’s efforts to resolve the ongoing student protest over alleged recruitment examination irregularities have yet to produce a breakthrough, while the health of a protesting student leader on hunger strike has become a major concern.

The agitation has continued in Ranchi as candidates demand action over alleged irregularities in examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission.

The latest round of talks between government representatives and student organisations ended without a settlement. The government has been holding discussions through a special ministerial panel in an effort to address the demands of the protesters. However, students have maintained that they will not withdraw their agitation merely on the basis of verbal assurances.

The health of Devendra Nath Mahto, one of the prominent student leaders associated with the agitation, has become a particularly sensitive issue. Mahto has been observing an indefinite hunger strike at Ranchi’s Jaipal Singh Stadium for around a week. On Sunday, doctors reportedly recorded his blood glucose level at 53, indicating that his health condition had deteriorated.

His hunger strike has increased pressure on the authorities to reach an agreement with the protesters.

The student movement has been demanding action against alleged irregularities and broader reforms in the recruitment process. The controversy has affected confidence among candidates preparing for government jobs, many of whom spend several years preparing for competitive examinations.

Government recruitment examinations are especially important in Jharkhand because they provide a major employment opportunity for young people. Any allegations of paper leaks, procedural irregularities, unfair evaluation or other problems can therefore have a direct impact on candidates’ careers.

The government has held discussions with several organisations in recent days. The JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch participated in talks on Friday, while separate meetings were held on Saturday with organisations such as NSUI, Jharkhand Chhatra Morcha and Adivasi Chhatra Sangh.

The different organisations have raised overlapping but also distinct demands.

Jharkhand Chhatra Morcha has sought cancellation of the 14th JPSC Civil Services Examination. NSUI has demanded a CID investigation into examinations under suspicion and proposed the establishment of a Jharkhand Testing Agency. The Adivasi Chhatra Sangh has demanded greater representation of tribal and regional languages in recruitment examinations.

The government has responded by saying it is committed to comprehensive reforms. It has also created an email channel through which students and stakeholders can submit recommendations regarding changes to the examination system.

But the central disagreement remains unresolved: students want concrete orders and action, while the government is still in the consultation stage.

The issue has also moved into the political arena. Union Minister Annapurna Devi has criticised the state government and demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Hemant Soren over the controversy.

Meanwhile, the investigation into alleged irregularities is progressing. Nineteen people have reportedly been arrested in connection with the case, and former JPSC chairperson L Khiangte has been questioned several times.

Students have warned that the protest will continue unless their demands are addressed. They have also announced an Assembly march if no satisfactory decision emerges.

With the health of a hunger-striking leader deteriorating and the negotiations still inconclusive, pressure on the Jharkhand government is growing.

The coming days could therefore prove crucial. A concrete decision from the government could help de-escalate the protest, while continued uncertainty may lead to further mobilisation by students across the state.

Journalist Details

Jitendra Kumar
Jitendra Kumar is an Indian journalist and social activist from Hathras in Uttar Pradesh is known as the senior journalist and founder of Xpert Times Network Private Limited.