Pioneer News Service
Ranchi
The protest by students against alleged irregularities and corruption in JPSC and JSSC examinations entered its ninth day on Saturday, with student leader Devendra Nath Mahto announcing an indefinite hunger strike in support of the protesters’ demands.
The students have been holding a satyagraha at the protest site following the controversy surrounding the results of the 14th Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) Civil Services Preliminary Examination. The investigation into the alleged irregularities has reportedly also widened to examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC).
Mahto said his hunger strike would continue until the 14th JPSC Preliminary Examination is cancelled, and a fair and independent investigation is conducted into the JPSC and JSSC CGL and other examinations conducted by the agency facing allegations in the controversy.
He also demanded strict action against those found responsible for any irregularities.
According to Mahto, nearly a month has passed since the declaration of the results of the disputed JPSC preliminary examination, but the state government has not taken any concrete decision on the demands of the candidates.
“This has increased disappointment and resentment among the aspirants. The government’s approach towards the interests of students appears questionable,” he said.
Mahto said the satyagraha and his indefinite hunger strike would continue until the protesters’ demands were addressed.
The students have been demanding cancellation of the examination and an impartial investigation into the alleged irregularities, with the agitation continuing amid growing political and administrative scrutiny of the recruitment examination process.
