Student leader Devendranath Mahto ended his water fast on Wednesday after receiving a video-call appeal from activist Sonam Wangchuk [1], [3].
The incident highlights the escalating tension between students and state authorities in Jharkhand over the integrity of public service examinations. The protest reflects a broader struggle for transparency in government hiring processes that affect thousands of aspiring professionals.
Mahto has been protesting alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and the Jharkhand Subordinate Service Commission (JSSC) [2], [3]. His hunger strike began July 3 [1].
While the activist's appeal led Mahto to drink water, he said that he will continue his hunger strike to demand accountability for the exam discrepancies [1], [3]. The act of drinking water was captured in a video that has since gone viral on social media platforms [1].
The protest focuses on systemic failures within the JPSC and JSSC. Students argue that the recruitment processes have been marred by irregularities that undermine the merit-based system of the state. By maintaining the hunger strike despite ending the water fast, Mahto signals that the core grievances remain unresolved.
Wangchuk, known for his environmental and social activism, used the video call to urge Mahto to preserve his health while continuing his fight for justice [1]. The intervention by a nationally recognized figure has brought increased visibility to the local grievances in Jharkhand [1], [2].
“Devendranath Mahto ended his water fast on Wednesday after receiving a video-call appeal from activist Sonam Wangchuk”
The intersection of a local student protest and the influence of a national figure like Sonam Wangchuk elevates the visibility of Jharkhand's administrative failures. By transitioning from a water fast to a standard hunger strike, Mahto extends the duration of his protest, increasing the pressure on the JPSC and JSSC to address recruitment irregularities before the situation escalates further.
