In a significant development for the student community in Jharkhand, prominent student leader Devendra Nath Mahto has officially announced the end of his hunger strike. Mahto, who had become the face of the student movement in Ranchi, had been on a hunger strike for 16 days and was currently admitted to a hospital in Ranchi due to his deteriorating health. While announcing the end of his fast, Mahto clarified that while the hunger strike is ending, the struggle for reforms in the examination system will continue unabated. He emphasized that the fight for justice for students is far from over.
Interaction with Sonam Wangchuk
Before concluding his fast, Devendra Nath Mahto held a video call with the renowned innovator and activist Sonam Wangchuk. During the conversation, Mahto expressed his gratitude, stating that he drew inspiration and guidance from Wangchuk to lead this battle. He informed Wangchuk that today marks the 16th day of his hunger strike and the 23rd day of the overall movement. Mahto noted that the government has finally conceded to their primary demands, which led to the decision to call off the strike.
Cancellation of JSSC-CGL and TDPL Exams
The decision to end the hunger strike comes on the heels of Chief Minister Hemant Soren's announcement to cancel the JSSC-CGL examination and all other exams conducted by TDPL. Reacting to this, Mahto stated that action has finally been taken against the irregularities and wrongdoings prevalent in the system. He highlighted that these were the very issues they had been fighting against, even at the risk of their lives during the prolonged agitation. Mahto remarked that while their immediate demands have been met, they can't claim to be entirely satisfied as a long battle for comprehensive educational reform still lies ahead.
Gratitude and Future Strategy
Devendra Nath Mahto extended his thanks to the government for paying attention to their demands, while he also expressed deep appreciation for his fellow supporters, the media, the police, the administration, students, and parents who stood by the movement. Regarding the future course of action, Mahto stated that the struggle to improve the entire education system would persist. He mentioned that the future strategy of the student union would be announced only after thorough discussion and deliberation among the stakeholders.
Government Response and Minister's Appeal
Jharkhand Minister Sudivya Kumar Sonu provided insights into the government's decision-making process, while he stated that in a cabinet-level meeting, a committee formed for this purpose considered all student issues with full sensitivity. He noted that a consensus was reached on most matters, following which a meeting chaired by the Chief Minister was held, while minister Sonu emphasized that a major decision was taken in the interest of the students, and all their demands were accepted. He described the students as the future of Jharkhand and appealed to them to abandon the path of agitation and return to their homes, assuring them that the government is committed to their welfare.