In brief
Devendra Nath Mahto, a student activist in India’s Jharkhand state, ended a 16‑day hunger strike after the government agreed to cancel a controversial recruitment exam allegedly marred by irregularities. The fast began on 25 July when job‑seekers protested claims of leaked question papers and unfair practices. While the cancellation was celebrated, many protesters vow to stay until the Central Bureau of Investigation launches a probe into all state exams. The move highlights tensions over recruitment fairness and the political pressure on state leaders.
An activist in India's Jharkhand state ended a 16‑day hunger strike after the government agreed to cancel a controversial recruitment exam.
Devendra Nath Mahto, who had been lying on a mattress at a Ranchi hospital since July, made his move in the presence of state ministers after his health weakened.
The fast began on 25 July, a day when students and job‑seekers protested alleged irregularities in state civil service exams, demanding reforms and a full investigation by the central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
The state government last week agreed to cancel the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level (JSSC‑CGL) exam, announced an investigation by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and called for a committee to recommend reforms.
While the cancellation was celebrated by the sit‑in crowd at a Ranchi stadium, many protesters said they would not leave until a CBI probe is announced, demanding a thorough audit of all exams since 2014.
Photo: Devendra Nath Mahto lies on a mattress during his hunger strike.
