Who are the 5 Jharkhand aspirants on hunger strike over JPSC-JSSC row?

Jharkhand's JPSC-JSSC exam row has intensified as five aspirants, including student leader Devendra Nath Mahato, begin an indefinite hunger strike, demanding action over alleged irregularities and a written assurance from the government.

In Short

• Student protest in Jharkhand over JPSC and JSSC exam irregularities intensifies
• Devendra Nath Mahato leads indefinite hunger strike with four other aspirants
• Protesters demand cancellation of 14th JPSC Preliminary Test and CBI probe

Thousands of students continue their agitation against alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC). The protest has intensified, with student leader Devendra Nath Mahato and four other aspirants launching an indefinite hunger strike.

The protesters, who are demanding action over alleged examination discrepancies, have been staging their hunger strike at a stadium-based protest camp. The candidates said they will continue their agitation until the government provides a written assurance addressing their concerns and ensuring justice.

WHO ARE THE STUDENTS LEADING THE HUNGER STRIKE?

Devendra Nath Mahato (Student leader): Devendra Nath Mahato, who is leading the protest, had announced an indefinite hunger strike demanding the cancellation of the 14th JPSC Preliminary Test and a CBI investigation into the alleged irregularities. His health condition reportedly deteriorated during the protest. However, after a video call with Sonam Wangchuk, he took water and continued his agitation.

Rahul Kranti Kumar (40): Rahul Kranti Kumar, who has been preparing for government jobs for nearly 20 years, joined the hunger strike after being rejected despite scoring 172 marks. He supports his family through tuition classes and said the alleged flaws in the recruitment system have left him with no option but to join the protest.

Habiba (JPSC candidate, Ranchi): Habiba, a Ranchi resident and long-time JPSC aspirant, said she joined the hunger strike after 10 days of peaceful protests failed to receive a response from the government. She said the lack of dialogue forced candidates to intensify their agitation.

Rupesh (JPSC candidate): Rupesh joined the protest after years of preparation, alleging that repeated paper leaks and irregularities have affected the future of aspirants. He said he is standing with fellow candidates in their demand for a transparent and fair recruitment process.

Savita Kumari (JPSC candidate): Savita Kumari, another JPSC aspirant, represents several women candidates preparing for competitive examinations despite social and family challenges. She said years of hard work by aspirants have been impacted by alleged corruption and irregularities in the system.

The protesting candidates have maintained that their agitation is not against any political party, the Chief Minister, or any individual. They said their fight is against what they describe as a flawed system that has affected the dreams and careers of thousands of young aspirants.

The candidates have urged the state government to take immediate action and address their demands through a written commitment.

- Ends