Sun, August 09, 2026
The students’ agitation in Jharkhand’s Ranchi entered its 16th day on Sunday, with protesters refusing to call off their stir after the second round of talks with the state government ended without any breakthrough.
The students have been protesting continuously at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium over alleged irregularities in the 14th Civil Services Preliminary Examination conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC). The alleged irregularities came to light on July 2.
Several student leaders are also on hunger strike in support of the agitation. The protesters have accused the state government of making “empty promises” by repeatedly holding talks with their representatives without taking concrete action on their key demands.
Student leader Devendra Nath Mahato, who has been on hunger strike since August 2, saw his health deteriorate late Saturday night. A team of doctors reached the protest site and administered saline after his blood sugar level dropped significantly.
According to the medical team, his blood sugar had fallen considerably and saline was given as a precautionary measure. His condition improved slightly afterwards.
Despite his deteriorating health, Mahato has said he will continue his hunger strike and will not compromise on the demands raised by the protesting aspirants until a concrete solution is reached.
Speaking to IANS, Mahato said doctors collected his blood sample at around 2.30 a.m. and found his blood sugar level to be very low. He said saline was subsequently administered, following which his condition improved slightly.
Meanwhile, student leader Chandan accused the police and administration of trying to suppress the agitation and remove protesters from the demonstration site.
“Police officers and the administration were attempting to remove the students from the protest site at night. The students will not back down from their demands and will seek justice,” he said.
Chandan also said Mahato’s blood sugar level had dropped but that the student leader remained determined to continue his hunger strike.
Another student leader, Prem Nayak, who is also observing a hunger strike, alleged that attempts were being made to weaken the movement while the government continued to invite student representatives for talks without addressing their core demands.
“This is my sixth day on hunger strike. Devendra Babu's health is also slightly deteriorating... Efforts are being made to weaken the movement, while at the same time, the delegation is being called and offered empty assurances,” Nayak told IANS.
He urged the government not to call students for talks merely to delay the agitation without taking their demands seriously.
Student leader Mahendra Prasad Mandal said the protest was not limited to the current recruitment examinations but was also aimed at protecting the interests of future aspirants who depend on government jobs.
Mandal said he had himself gone through student life and that the experience of struggling to find employment amid alleged irregularities in the recruitment system had prompted students to launch the hunger strike for future generations.
He said the government was repeatedly inviting the delegation for discussions but had not openly accepted the students’ demands.
Mandal also announced that a protest march to the Jharkhand Assembly would be held on August 10.
The students’ primary demands include cancellation of the examinations in which they allege irregularities occurred, an impartial investigation into the recruitment process and greater transparency in future examinations.
The first round of talks, held on Friday, involved a five-member government delegation and a 10-member student delegation. The students presented their demands and sought clear responses from the government.
However, the second round of discussions held on Saturday again ended without any agreement. The talks failed to bridge the differences between the two sides or persuade the protesters to withdraw their agitation.
With no breakthrough so far, the students have said they will continue their protest.
© Copyright
Reporter Post.All Rights Reserved |
Powered by: Aptilogic Software |
|
Page rendered in 0.0962 seconds.
