Jharkhand Student Leader Devendra Nath Mahto Ends Hunger Strike After JSSC-CGL Cancellation
Student leader Devendra Nath Mahto ended his hunger strike at Sadar Hospital in Ranchi after Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren announced the cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examination and all examinations conducted by testing agency TDPL.
Devendra Nath Mahto Ends 16-Day Hunger Strike
Mahto had been on hunger strike as part of a student-led agitation demanding reforms and greater transparency in the state’s recruitment examination process. Jharkhand Ministers Dipika Pandey Singh and Irfan Ansari were present when he ended the protest.
Speaking to reporters, Mahto thanked Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, state ministers Dipika Pandey Singh and Irfan Ansari, as well as students, media personnel and social activists who supported the agitation.
Mahto Calls for Stronger Laws Against Exam Irregularities
He also called for stringent laws and comprehensive reforms to prevent examination irregularities and paper leaks.
Mahto said the hunger strike had entered its 16th day and that the broader student agitation had begun on July 2. He recalled that following a meeting with Chief Minister Soren on July 20, a CID inquiry was initiated on July 28.
According to Mahto, the investigation was being conducted thoroughly and should spare no one, including senior officials and other influential individuals if evidence of wrongdoing is found.
Student Leader Welcomes JSSC-CGL Cancellation
He described the government’s decision to cancel the JSSC-CGL examination as a significant step, particularly because the recruitment process had already progressed to the joining stage.
The student leader said the decision had not been easy but welcomed it as a measure taken in response to the concerns of aspirants.
Mahto also expressed gratitude to supporters of the agitation, recalling how students, social activists, media workers and even people he did not know personally provided water and food during the protest.
His decision to end the hunger strike comes after the government’s announcement of the examination cancellations and a wider probe into state government examinations conducted since 2014.
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