- After 16 days, Devendra Mahato broke his hunger strike.
- Jharkhand Government has decided to cancel the exams related to JSSC-CGL and TDPL.
- The demand for a CBI inquiry is likely to continue the next phase of the agitation.
Ranchi : The ongoing student agitation against alleged recruitment exam malpractices in Jharkhand has finally achieved a major success. After the state government decided to cancel the respective recruitment exams conducted through JSSC-CGL and TDPL, the main agitators of the movement have started to withdraw their hunger strike. Devendra Nath Mahato, JLKM leader and prominent face of the student movement, ended his hunger strike after 16 days.
Following the government's decision, Mahato ended his hunger strike at a hospital in Ranchi. He suspended this phase of the agitation saying that the government had decided on the important demands of the students. He also demanded a more efficient and transparent examination system so that there are no malpractices in the recruitment examinations in the future and to maintain the confidence of the candidates in the system.
After 16 days of hunger strike, the movement took a decisive turn
Along with Devendra Nath Mahato, Prem Nayak and Umme Habiba are also reported to have called off their fast. However, even after the decision to cancel the exams, the agitation is not completely over. Some student leaders have continued to press for a CBI probe and transparency in the recruitment process.
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Protesters argue that simply canceling the controversial exam is not enough. Clarity is also needed as to how exactly the alleged misconduct occurred, who was responsible and what steps will be taken to prevent such incidents in the future.
Decision regarding JSSC-CGL and TDPL Exams from Govt
The Jharkhand government has also raised serious questions on the procedure of the JSSC-CGL examination conducted through an external organization TDPL. In this background it has been decided to cancel the relevant examination.
The decision has taken a major turn in the controversy over alleged irregularities in the recruitment process that has been going on in Jharkhand for some time now. The students' agitation had consistently demanded an inquiry into alleged malpractices in examinations conducted by JPSC, JSSC-CGL and TDPL.
The demand for a CBI inquiry still remains
Although the cancellation of the exam has fulfilled one of the main demands of the protesters, the issue of a CBI probe still remains. According to the agitators, canceling the exam would provide immediate relief to the candidates; But equally important is a thorough investigation into the alleged wrongdoing and action against the culprits.
Meanwhile, the student agitation in Jharkhand started following allegations of alleged examination irregularities. During the agitation, Devendra Nath Mahato started his hunger strike from August 2. He was also given medical treatment after his condition deteriorated.
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What is the next phase of the movement?
The government's decision to cancel the examination is being considered as a big step for the student agitation. However, the students have focused their attention on the demands of CBI investigation, action against the culprits and transparent recruitment process in the future.
So even though Devendra Mahato has called off his 16-day fast, the controversy surrounding recruitment exams in Jharkhand is not over yet. After the decision to cancel the examination, it will be important what concrete steps the government takes regarding the inquiry and the new examination process.