Key facts
- Student activist Devendra Nath Mahto ended a 16-day hunger strike in Jharkhand, India.
- The strike was in protest against alleged irregularities in government recruitment exams.
- The state government agreed to cancel the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission-Combined Graduate Level (JSSC-CGL) examination.
- The government also announced an investigation into recruitment exams held since 2014.
- Protesters are demanding an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Student activist Devendra Nath Mahto has ended a 16-day hunger strike in India's Jharkhand state after the government agreed to cancel a controversial recruitment exam. Mahto, who was admitted to a hospital last week due to deteriorating health, was a prominent figure in the protests that began on July 25.
Protesters alleged widespread irregularities, including question paper leaks and unfair means, in government recruitment exams, which are highly sought after in India for their stability and security. The state government had previously agreed to cancel the preliminary civil service exam and initiated an investigation by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), leading to several arrests, including the head of the Jharkhand Public Service Commission.
However, demonstrators held out for the cancellation of the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission-Combined Graduate Level (JSSC-CGL) examination and a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). On Monday night, Jharkhand Chief Minister Soren announced the scrapping of the JSSC-CGL exam and all exams conducted by private agency TSR Data Processing Private Limited. He also announced an investigation into recruitment exams held since 2014 and the formation of a committee to recommend reforms.
The government's concessions sparked celebrations among protesters, but some, like activist Ravindra Paswan, stated they would continue their demonstrations until a CBI investigation is officially announced. The protests had placed pressure on the state government, an alliance including the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha and Congress, with the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) supporting the protesters. Reports indicate the cancellation of the JSSC-CGL exam has led to backlash from successful candidates who had already secured government jobs.