India Protest Leader Ends 16-Day Hunger Strike After Exam Cancellation

(Student activist Devendra Nath Mahto ended his hunger strike after 16 days. Photo Credit: BBC News)

An activist in Jharkhand state, India has concluded a 16-day hunger strike following government agreement to annul a contested recruitment examination.

The activist, Devendra Nath Mahto, ended his fast at a hospital in Ranchi where his health had deteriorated, with state ministers present during the occasion.

The activist represented a significant face of demonstrations commencing on July 25 after job-seekers and students alleged irregularities in state recruitment examinations and demanded institutional reforms.

Government employment positions carry substantial appeal throughout India, offering professional stability and security.

Millions of individuals annually participate in these competitive examinations across state and national levels, frequently attending preparatory coaching institutions whilst navigating age-limit restrictions.

Multiple examinations have encountered controversy following allegations of question-paper leakage and candidate use of improper methods.

Even among successful candidates, uncertainty persists as recruitment processes frequently extend over extended periods.

In Jharkhand, protests emerged following civil service examination results, with certain candidates asserting that publicly circulated answer materials showed successful applicants had responded to fewer questions than anticipated, suggesting potential manipulation.

The situation followed a more substantial protest in the national capital, culminating in the federal education minister’s resignation, intensifying pressure on the state government.

State authorities agreed to cancel a preliminary examination days prior and announced investigation by the state’s criminal investigation division, resulting in multiple arrests encompassing the chief of the Jharkhand Public Service Commission.

Protesters pursued cancellation of an additional examination and demanded investigation by India’s premier investigative agency.

The Chief Minister subsequently announced scrapping of this examination on Monday evening, disclosing that investigation had uncovered “numerous concerning facts” without elaborating, citing ongoing proceedings.

He additionally mandated cancellation of all examinations conducted by a contracted private agency and directed investigation of recruitment processes conducted since 2014.

A committee was established to formulate examination system reforms.

The announcement provoked celebrations among demonstrators, who gathered at a stadium where they had maintained presence since July 25.

Certain protesters indicated continued occupation pending the premier investigative agency’s formal involvement.

The government faced political pressure from an opposition political party supporting the demonstrators.

Reports indicated successful candidates already employed resisted the examination cancellation decision.