Ranchi, Aug 18: The cancellation of 14 examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) and TDPL has ended the first phase of a student agitation, but its leader Devendra Nath Mahto says the movement will now shift towards securing a law that guarantees recruitment examinations free from paper leaks and malpractice.
Mahto, who ended his 16-day hunger strike after the Jharkhand government accepted the demand for action over examination irregularities, said protesters would begin the “second stage” of their agitation by seeking legislation to overhaul the state’s recruitment and examination system.
The student leader said cancelling examinations alone would not address concerns about repeated paper leaks. He cited the CGL examination, which was cancelled on January 28, 2024, following a paper leak and was subsequently cancelled again after a leak allegedly occurred during the re-examination.
Mahto questioned what assurance students would have that similar incidents would not recur in the 14 examinations that have now been cancelled.
He said the government’s decision to act on the protesters’ demands marked the success of the first phase of the movement and thanked the government, students and supporters who backed the agitation.
According to Mahto, investigations into examination irregularities by various agencies have continued since the formation of Jharkhand, but students have not received justice. He said the next phase would therefore focus on creating safeguards to prevent future examination malpractice.
The student leader demanded a system that would leave no scope for paper leaks, problems in question-paper setting or other forms of malpractice. He also called for strict punishment for those responsible and urged the state government to introduce a law to guarantee secure recruitment examinations.
Mahto said the state Assembly should pass such legislation and added that a constitutional amendment could be considered if necessary. He argued that such a legal framework would protect students in future generations as well.
He had earlier announced the suspension of his hunger strike after discussions involving Jharkhand Health Minister Irfan Ansari, Minister Deepika Pandey and MLA Jairam Mahto. Mahto said the decision came on the 16th day of the fast after the protesters’ demands were fulfilled.
The state Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, decided at a special meeting on Monday to cancel all examinations conducted by JSSC-CGL and TDPL.
The decision prompted celebrations among students protesting at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium. Despite heavy rain, protesters embraced, distributed sweets, raised slogans and celebrated with colours and fireworks. They described the cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examination as a major victory after 24 days of agitation.
