Jharkhand Students’ Protest: Govt Accepts Demands, But CBI Probe Remains Unresolved

The Jharkhand government has accepted several major demands following a prolonged movement by students and youth, but the demand for a CBI investigation remains unresolved. Students have maintained that their agitation will continue unless the government announces a CBI probe into the alleged examination irregularities. After 16 days of hunger strike, student leader Devendra Nath Mahto ended his fast after the government announced the cancellation of the JSSC CGL examination and other examinations conducted through TDPL. A delegation of cabinet ministers visited the hospital and ended the hunger strike of Mahto, Umme Habiba and Rahul Kranti by offering them juice. Mahto’s health had deteriorated during the fast, with falling blood pressure and blood sugar levels, but he remained firm on the students’ demands. The government also ordered a CID investigation under the supervision of a retired High Court judge and announced measures for examination reforms. During the agitation, social activist Sonam Wangchuk had spoken to Mahto via video call and urged him to protect his health. Although the immediate protest has been suspended, Mahto and other students have said they will continue fighting for transparent and fair examination reforms.