Jharkhand exam controversy: Health of student leader on hunger strikes deteriorates, govt proposes cancellation of 3 exams
PTC News Desk: The Jharkhand government began fresh talks with students protesting alleged irregularities in recruitment exams on Sunday. The protest has now entered its 16th day. However, a major student group described the government’s latest move as “political manoeuvring”.
The decision to hold another round of discussions came after several meetings between government officials and student groups on Friday night and Saturday failed to resolve the issue.
Meanwhile, the health of student leader Devendra Nath Mahto, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Ranchi’s Jaipal Singh Stadium for about a week, worsened around 3 am. Doctors found that his blood sugar level had dropped to 53.
Another protesting student, Rahul Krantim, is also on hunger strike and is being treated under medical supervision in the intensive care unit of Sadar Hospital. A total of six protesters are currently on an indefinite hunger strike.
Government Holds Talks With Student Groups
The state government held talks with the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch on Friday night, as the group has been leading the protest.
On Saturday, officials held four more rounds of discussions with different student organisations, including the Congress-affiliated NSUI, Jharkhand Chhatra Morcha and Adivasi Chhatra Sangh. However, the meetings failed to end the deadlock.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren said the protesting students were fighting for their rights and assured them that his government was committed to democracy and justice.
Soren said anyone found responsible for irregularities in the recruitment process would face strict action.
He also appealed to students not to seek political support for their protest. He said the movement should not be turned into a political issue and warned political groups against misleading young people for their own interests.
Soren also accused some political parties and others of spreading misinformation among the youth.
Students Demand Probe Into Recruitment Irregularities
The protests, led by candidates preparing for Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) exams, have entered their third week.
Thousands of aspirants have been protesting against alleged irregularities in recruitment exams. They are demanding a judicial or CBI investigation, cancellation of recruitment processes found to be affected by irregularities and greater transparency in government appointments.
Student leader Devendra Nath Mahto continues to remain on an indefinite hunger strike as the protest continues.
- With inputs from agencies
