JLKM leader Devendra Mahto has announced the second phase of his agitation following the cancellation of controversial recruitment exams in Jharkhand. While his hunger strike has ended, his fight for transparent JPSC and JSSC exams continues.
RANCHI: The battle for fair employment in Jharkhand has entered a new, more intense chapter. Devendra Mahto, leader of the Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM), announced on Tuesday that his agitation against corruption in recruitment examinations will proceed to its second phase. Although he called off his 16-day hunger strike, he emphasized that the fight for justice is far from over.
The hunger strike was terminated late Monday following the state government's decision to cancel the JSSC-CGL exam and all other recruitment tests conducted by the outsourced agency, TSR Data Processing Pvt Ltd (TDPL), since 2014. However, Mahto made it clear that the cancellation of exams is merely a partial victory.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the systemic corruption in Jharkhand's recruitment processes has reached a tipping point, affecting the morale of millions of aspirants. The transition from a hunger strike to a structured political agitation suggests that the pressure on the Hemant Soren government is set to escalate significantly.
Mahto stated, "I have ended my hunger strike, not the protest. The agitation will continue till the government gives a guarantee that no paper leak or irregularities will take place in recruitment examinations." He plans to lead this next phase through the JPSC-JSSC Abhiyarthi Reform Manch.
The demand for a comprehensive, step-by-step audit rather than a mere financial audit marks a significant shift in the nature of student-led protests in the state.
Beyond just protests, Mahto is demanding legislative action. He urged the government to enact strict laws specifically designed to prevent paper leaks and other fraudulent activities during the examination process. Furthermore, he called for the establishment of a dedicated monitoring committee to oversee reforms at every stage of recruitment.
Historical Background
For years, Jharkhand has been plagued by allegations of irregularities in public service exams. The reliance on third-party agencies for conducting examinations has frequently led to accusations of mismanagement and corruption, creating a deep sense of distrust among the state's youth regarding the JPSC and JSSC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Why did Devendra Mahto end his hunger strike?
Answer: He ended the strike after the government agreed to cancel the JSSC-CGL exam and other tests conducted by the outsourced agency since 2014.
Question 2: What is the main demand of the second phase of the protest?
Answer: The main demand is to ensure transparent, corruption-free recruitment through a complete systemic audit and the prevention of paper leaks via new legislation.
