‘Organs unable to cope’: Jharkhand student leader’s health worsens after 15-day fast

RANCHI: A Jharkhand student leader’s health has deteriorated following 15 days of an indefinite hunger strike, protesting alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC examinations. Devendra Nath Mahto, a student leader, has been protesting at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi. He said the prolonged fast has severely impacted his health, struggling to speak due to low blood sugar and blood pressure, as well as dehydration.

Doctors have stated that his body’s organs are unable to cope with the strain. Despite his weakened condition, Mahto continued to participate in the agitation. He mentioned that he did not attend a meeting with the state government, as other students represented the protesters and submitted their list of demands. The government assured the protesters that their demands were legitimate and are currently under consideration.

The protests demand the cancellation of JSSC CGL, JSSC JE, and PGT examinations conducted since 2019, a CBI probe into alleged irregularities, and strict action against any involved mafias or agencies. They also seek transparency through the release of category-wise cut-offs, OMR copies, and response sheets. Additionally, the protesters are advocating for a recruitment calendar modeled after the UPSC and SSC systems.

This agitation follows widespread protests by candidates seeking transparency and structural reforms in competitive examinations conducted by the JPSC and JSSC.