Student leader Devendra Nath Mahto being checked by medical professionals during his hunger strike as part of a protest against the Jharkhand government over alleged irregularities in the 14th JPSC examination, JSSC-CGL and other recruitment tests, demanding a CBI probe and reforms in the recruitment agencies, at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, in Ranchi. File
| Photo Credit: PTI
Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha member and prominent student leader Devendra Nath Mahto continues to spearhead a major youth uprising demanding structural accountability within Jharkhand’s primary recruitment boards. Alongside him, hundreds of students continued their protest for the 13th day in Ranchi on Thursday (August 6, 2026) over alleged irregularities in the 14th JPSC examination, JSSC-CGL and other recruitment tests, demanding a CBI probe and reforms in the recruitment agencies.
The ongoing protests are intensifying, with the number of participants in a hunger strike at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium increasing to six as of Tuesday night (August 4).
Moreover, in a dramatic turn of events, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and the CJP leader Abhijeet Dipke have also expressed their solidarity with the Jharkhand student protests. Asked whether he will support the protest in Jharkhand, Mr. Dipke said, “We will definitely go to Jharkhand; we will stand with them and support their every demand in the agitation.”
The protesters, who have been holding an indefinite sit-in at a stadium since July 29, raised slogans such as ‘Order CBI probe in JPSC’, ‘Long live Students Unity’ and ‘Shame on Hemant Soren’.
Who is Devendra Nath Mahto?
As a student leader from Ranchi district, Jharkhand, Mr. Mahto has been engaged in student activism for over a decade.
He completed his postgraduate degree at Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee University (DSPMU) in Ranchi.
In 2024, he unsuccessfully contested the Jharkhand Assembly Elections from the Tamar constituency, representing the Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha party.
As stated in his election affidavit, he possesses postgraduate degrees in Sanskrit and Kurmali. He has also obtained a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree from Hazaribagh.
He has 12 pending criminal cases listed in the affidavit, of which 8 are of a serious nature. Charges have not been framed in the specified cases, and he has zero criminal convictions.
What the demands put forward by student protestors?
The protesters have been demanding the cancellation of the 14th Jharkhand Public Service Commission examination, as well as transparency and reforms in the commission and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission.
They are also demanding an inquiry into exam irregularities by the CBI or an independent panel of retired high court judges from outside the state.
The spokesperson of the JPSC, JSSC Reforms Manch, Jivan Kumar, said, “Our five friends, including two women, went on hunger strike from Tuesday night to press for our demands.” A core committee meeting will be held shortly to decide on taking out a ‘Tiranga March’ in support of students’ demands, he said.
Political reactions
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren stated that the reported leaks of question papers for recruitment exams are not only a state issue but a national concern. He emphasised his government’s dedication to addressing the challenges faced by students.
“The concerns of my young friends are an extremely serious matter for us. The alleged paper leaks are not just an issue of Jharkhand, but these have become a major national problem for the youth of many states across the country. Our government is working on this matter with complete seriousness,” Soren wrote on X amidst the intensifying protests.
Meanwhile, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) on Wednesday (August 5) said it stands with aspirants protesting over alleged irregularities in the JPSC, JSSC CGL and other competitive examinations.
JMM General Secretary and National Spokesperson Vinod Pandey said the Jharkhand government will form a high-level committee within one or two days to address their demands.
“JMM stands with aspirants in their protest…we know their demands. Government is will form a high-level committee in one or two days. Examplary actions are going to be taken in 2-3 days on the basis of evidence,” Mr. Pandey said.
(With Agencies Inputs)
Published – August 06, 2026 10:44 am IST
