Jharkhand Protest Day 20: Devendra Mahto Seeks Permission to Return From Hospital

The agitation over alleged irregularities in Jharkhand recruitment examinations intensified on Thursday as Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) leader Devendra Mahto sought permission to return to the protest site despite being hospitalised.

Mahto, who has been on a hunger strike for the past 11 days, wrote to the Ranchi civil surgeon requesting approval to leave Sadar Hospital and rejoin the students' satyagraha at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium. His appeal comes as the statewide protest entered its 20th day with demonstrators refusing to end the agitation until their demands are accepted.

Devendra Mahto Requests Permission to Rejoin Protest

Mahto was shifted to Ranchi's Sadar Hospital earlier this week after his health worsened following a march by protesting students towards the Jharkhand Assembly.

Despite undergoing treatment, the student leader said his commitment to the movement remains unchanged.

In a social media post, Mahto said he had formally requested permission to return to the protest venue.

"My body is undergoing treatment on the hospital bed, but my soul is at the satyagraha site where students and youth are engaged in a just struggle for their future," he wrote.

He described the ongoing protest as more than a demonstration, calling it a responsibility and a symbol of hope for thousands of students seeking fair recruitment.

Jharkhand Recruitment Protest Enters 20th Day

The agitation has continued for nearly three weeks under the banner of the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch, which has been holding a sit-in at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi.

Students are demanding sweeping reforms in the state's recruitment process, alleging irregularities in multiple examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC).

The protesters have maintained that the movement will continue until the government addresses their concerns.

What Are the Students Demanding?

The protesting students have put forward several key demands, including:

• Greater transparency in recruitment examinations.
• Cancellation of recruitment tests allegedly affected by irregularities.
• An independent investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or a panel of retired judges from outside Jharkhand.
• Comprehensive reforms in the state's recruitment process to restore confidence among job aspirants.

The movement has drawn significant public attention as thousands of aspirants continue to participate in the protest.

Health Concerns Amid Ongoing Agitation

Mahto's deteriorating health has highlighted the intensity of the ongoing agitation. Even after being admitted to hospital, he has reiterated his determination to continue supporting the movement.

With students refusing to withdraw the protest and leaders continuing their hunger strike despite health concerns, pressure remains on the Jharkhand government to respond to the demands surrounding recruitment reforms.