Jharkhand JPSC-JSSC Protest: Students Refuse to End Hunger Strike, Devendra Mahto Seeks Return

Jharkhand JPSC-JSSC protest continues as students refuse to end their hunger strike. Devendra Nath Mahto has sought permission to return to the protest site.

The Jharkhand JPSC-JSSC protest continues in Ranchi, with students refusing to call off their hunger strike despite discussions with the state government. The agitation centres on alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC).

The protest has intensified in recent days, with student groups demanding greater transparency and action on their complaints. The latest development involves JLKM leader Devendra Nath Mahto, who has sought permission to return to the protest site after being hospitalised.

Why Are Students Protesting?

Students and job aspirants have raised concerns over alleged irregularities in several Jharkhand recruitment examinations. Their demands include a transparent examination process, action on alleged irregularities and measures to ensure that future recruitment exams are conducted fairly.

The ongoing agitation has brought the functioning of the state’s recruitment examination system under renewed scrutiny.

According to reports, the protest entered a prolonged phase after students and government representatives failed to reach a consensus during talks. The Jharkhand Chhatra Morcha had also presented several demands before a government panel.

Hunger Strike Continues

A section of protesting students has continued its hunger strike despite the health concerns surrounding the agitation. A student leader was hospitalised after his health deteriorated during the protest, highlighting the physical risks associated with a prolonged hunger strike.

Students have maintained that the protest will continue until they receive satisfactory assurances on their key demands.

The situation has also attracted support from individuals outside the immediate student groups, with some public figures expressing solidarity with the protesters.

Devendra Nath Mahto Seeks Return to Protest Site

JLKM leader Devendra Nath Mahto has emerged as one of the prominent figures associated with the ongoing agitation. After being hospitalised amid the protests, Mahto has sought permission to return to the protest site.

According to a report published on August 13, Mahto wrote to the surgeon seeking permission to rejoin the protest. The development comes as the agitation continues over alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC recruitment examinations.

His proposed return could further draw attention to the students’ demands and the government’s response to the ongoing movement.

Government-Student Talks

The state government and representatives of the protesting students have held discussions in an effort to resolve the dispute. However, the latest reports indicate that the talks have not yet produced a complete agreement on the protesters’ demands.

The continuation of the agitation suggests that significant differences remain between the protesters and the authorities.

What Are the Main Issues?

The protesters’ concerns broadly relate to the recruitment examination system and alleged irregularities. Students are seeking greater transparency, accountability and confidence that recruitment examinations will be conducted fairly.

The allegations should be distinguished from established findings unless and until they are confirmed by an official investigation or competent authority.

What Happens Next?

The immediate focus remains on whether the government and student representatives can reach an agreement. The health of those participating in the hunger strike is also likely to remain an important concern as the protest continues.

Devendra Nath Mahto’s request to return to the protest site adds another development to an already prolonged agitation. For now, students have not agreed to end the hunger strike, and the JPSC-JSSC issue remains unresolved.

Latest Update

As of August 13, 2026, the JPSC-JSSC protest remains active in Ranchi. Students continue to press their demands, while efforts to find a resolution through government-student discussions remain ongoing. The situation could change depending on further talks and decisions by the authorities.