Prominent activist Sonam Wangchuk reached out to Devendra Nath Mahto, who has been on a hunger strike over alleged recruitment irregularities in Jharkhand, urging him to maintain his health by drinking water. This conversation took place on Wednesday, marking a significant point in a protest demanding justice for job aspirants in the state.
Mahto, who began his fast four days ago at the Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, responded positively to Wangchuk’s advice and consumed water, recognizing the serious implications of his condition. As the protest escalated, five additional individuals from the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) Reforms Manch initiated their own indefinite hunger strike on Tuesday night, bringing the total to six.
The tensions surrounding the 14th JPSC examination have heightened since protesters first voiced their demands on July 25. They are calling for the examination’s cancellation alongside comprehensive reforms within the commission and the JSSC. Furthermore, they insist on an inquiry into the alleged irregularities, supporting their request for either a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) investigation or a probe by a panel of retired high court judges from outside Jharkhand.
Jivan Kumar, the spokesperson for the JPSC and JSSC Reforms Manch, confirmed that their group now includes five new protesters, among whom are two women, adding pressure to their demands. “Our five friends began their hunger strike last night to bring attention to our cause,” he stated. This escalation in protests underscores the urgent need for attention from government officials.
Sabita Kumari, one of the hunger strikers, expressed her frustration, stating that their plight forced them to choose this path, highlighting the government’s inaction on their grievances. Another protester, Habiba, voiced concerns over the Chief Minister’s perceived indifference. “The CM is like our guardian. When children are hungry, a guardian also feels pain. So, we hope he will listen to our demands,” she said.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren addressed these concerns in a statement on Tuesday, asserting that his administration understands the seriousness of the protests and that a decision regarding their demands would be forthcoming at an appropriate time. “We take their queries seriously and will announce decisions impacting their concerns shortly,” Soren assured.
The Leader of Opposition in the Jharkhand Assembly, Babulal Marandi, also backed the protestors, stating that their demands are valid and should be taken seriously. He emphasized the need for the government to annul the 14th JPSC exam and facilitate a CBI inquiry due to perceived attempts by the Crime Investigation Department (CID) to obscure facts.
Senior Congress leader Ajoy Kumar, representing a collaborating force in Soren’s government, echoed these sentiments, urging for a panel led by a sitting high court judge to investigate the situation. He demanded the dismissal of relevant JPSC officials and the cancellation of recently held exam results.
As the protest continues, the CID has taken substantial action, arresting 14 individuals thus far related to the recruitment irregularities and postponing the Combined Civil Services Mains Examination originally set for July 25 to 27. The postponement comes against the backdrop of intensifying protests that reflect a deep-seated demand for transparency and reform in the state’s recruitment processes.
Recent CID activities include questioning former JPSC chairman L Khiangte on four separate occasions since July 28, as well as conducting raids at 18 locations across major districts like Ranchi, Palamu, Hazaribagh, Bokaro, and Dhanbad. These steps indicate a growing insistence on accountability from the Jharkhand government as recruiters face scrutiny.
