JPSC Protest: JLKM Leader Jairam Mahato Begins Hunger Strike in Support of Agitating Students

Ranchi: The students' agitation continues in Jharkhand over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations. A large number of students have been sitting on strike at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi for the last 16 days. Since no concrete decision has been taken so far by the government on the demands of the students, the movement seems to be intensifying further.

Regarding this issue, Dumri MLA and JLKM leader Jairam Mahato has started a one-day fast outside the assembly complex. He said that he will not even drink water during the fast and will continue to raise his voice in support of the demands of the students.

Why are the students of Jharkhand agitating?

Students are demanding an investigation into alleged irregularities and irregularities in various competitive examinations of the state including JPSC, JSSC. The agitating students allege that such flaws have come to light in the examination process, which raises questions on the future of the hard-working candidates.

The students say that the agitation will continue until the government takes a clear decision on their major demands.

Why did Jairam Mahato start the fast?

Jairam Mahato has started a one-day fast outside the Assembly in support of the students' movement. He said that transparency in competitive examinations is very important, because thousands of youth prepare for government jobs by working hard for years.

He also appealed to different sections of the society to come forward in support of the students. Mahato said that workers, farmers, lawyers, businessmen and other organisations should also organise programmes in favour of students at their level.

What kind of rigging allegations were made in the examinations?

Jairam Mahato alleged that there have been complaints of serious irregularities in Jharkhand's competitive examinations like selling seats, writing answers at home and leaving OMR sheets blank and filling them later.

He said that such allegations are not only a matter of the future of the students taking the examination, but it affects the credibility of the entire recruitment system. Therefore, it is important to investigate these matters seriously.

What was the outcome of the talks between the government and the students?

Efforts were also made by the government to negotiate to end the movement. On Saturday, a meeting was held between the five-member ministerial committee constituted by the Hemant Soren government and the agitating student organisations.

However, no concrete solution could emerge from the talks. After no consensus was reached between the two sides, the students decided to continue their agitation.

How long will the students' movement continue?

The protesting students have made it clear that the agitation will not be ended until all their major demands are accepted. JLKM leader Devendra Nath Mahato has also been on fast for the last several days.

Now the challenge before the government is how it finds a solution to the demands of the students. At present the movement is going on in Ranchi and Jairam Mahato's fast seems to be giving more political support to this issue.