Amidst ongoing protests in Jharkhand, student leader Devendra Nath Mahto began an indefinite hunger strike on Sunday at the Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi. Speaking to reporters, Mahto stated that he would continue the hunger strike until the demands submitted to Chief Minister Hemant Soren are met. Alleging irregularities in the JPSC, JSSC CGL, and other competitive examinations and their recruitment processes, the protesters have demanded greater transparency. They urged the Hemant Soren-led government to engage in dialogue with them and address their concerns. As part of their agitation, the candidates also took out a torchlight procession.
Who is Devendra Nath Mahto?
Devendra Nath Mahto is a young leader and student activist from Jharkhand. He serves as the Vice President of the Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM), led by Jairam Mahto. He is known for spearheading student movements against paper leaks and recruitment-related corruption. He gained prominence through the Jharkhand State Student Union (JSSU). He also contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections as an independent candidate from Ranchi, focusing on employment-related issues.
Speaking to reporters, Mahto said, I have gone on a hunger strike to keep the students' morale high and to carry this fight forward. I will adhere to all the rules of this strike and compel the government to yield. We will ensure that all the guilty are strictly punished.
Devendra Nath Mahto further demanded the cancellation of the Preliminary Test (PT) for the 14th Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) Combined Civil Services Examination and a review of examinations conducted through TDPL agencies. He stated, "First and foremost, we will ensure the cancellation of the 14th JPSC Combined Civil Services Preliminary Examination and an investigation into the exams conducted via TDPL agencies. We will force reforms in JPSC and JSSC examinations.
This development mirrors the youth-led protests in Delhi, where activist Sonam Wangchuk recently ended a 26-day hunger strike at Jantar Mantar over the NEET paper leak controversy. CJP, the organization that spearheaded the protests in the national capital, has extended its support to the ongoing student movement in Jharkhand.
Devendra Nath Mahto biography
Devendra Nath Mahto is an Indian politician and prominent student leader from Jharkhand. He actively participated in both the 2024 Lok Sabha general elections and the 2024 Jharkhand Legislative Assembly elections. Known primarily for raising student-related issues, Mahto is associated with the Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) party.
- Full Name: Devendra Nath Mahto
- Age: 33 years old (as of 2024)
- Father's Name: Bishambhar Mahto
- Native Place: Village Paras Toli Kapidih, Post & P.S. Rahe, Ranchi District, Jharkhand
- Profession: Listed officially as a student and cultivator.
Educational Qualifications
- Graduation: Completed his degree from P.P.K. College, Bundu (Ranchi University) in 2014.
- B.Ed.: Earned his Bachelor of Education from M.V.C.E. Padma, Hazaribag in 2017.
- Post Graduation: Obtained a postgraduate degree from Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee University (DSPMU), Ranchi.
Protests in Jharkhand over irregularities in JPSC and JSSC exams
The anger in Jharkhand stems from several recent controversies, including exam paper leaks, bizarre administrative decisions, and logistical failures. Students state that these issues have severely impacted their career prospects. On the ground, students paint a dismal picture of the state's education and government recruitment systems, citing gross mismanagement during various examinations.
Rekha Rana, a student participating in the protest, said, "Be it the JPSC or the JSSC CGL—or any exam for that matter—paper leaks inevitably occur." The protesters are demanding systemic overhaul rather than mere damage control at the political or administrative levels. They are calling for the cancellation of the 14th PT exam and a comprehensive probe into all examinations conducted by the TDPL agency, alleging serious irregularities in the recruitment process.
Also Read: CWG 2030: India Secures Official Hosting Rights in Ahmedabad
