JSSC-JPSC Protest: Devendra Nath Mahato Seeks Medical Approval to...

By GT24x7 Reporter · 12 August 2026 · GlobalToday24x7

In an escalating standoff between youth activists and the Jharkhand state administration, prominent student leader Devendra Nath Mahato has formally written to the Civil Surgeon of Ranchi's Sadar Hospital, seeking official medical clearance to leave his intensive care unit (ICU) bed and rejoin the ongoing indefinite hunger strike at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium. Mahato, who has been on an indefinite fast since August 2, 2026, was forcibly hospitalized after his health severely deteriorated following police action during a protest march towards the Jharkhand Vidhan Sabha on August 10.

The student movement in Ranchi, which entered its 19th consecutive day on August 12, centers on allegations of widespread corruption, paper leaks, and procedural irregularities in competitive examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC). The prolonged agitation has emerged as a major political and administrative flashpoint in the state capital, drawing thousands of civil service aspirants and youth groups from across Jharkhand.

Hospitalized Leader Reaffirms Resolve Amid Health Concerns

Writing directly from his ICU bed at Sadar Hospital, Devendra Nath Mahato submitted a formal representation urging the hospital administration and district medical authorities to view his request with medical empathy. In his letter, Mahato noted that while his physical body is currently confined to a hospital ward under continuous medical supervision, his commitment remains firmly aligned with the thousands of students braving monsoon conditions to demand transparent recruitment practices.

"Presently, my body is undergoing medical treatment in the hospital, but my resolve remains with those thousands of students who are peacefully protesting for their future, justice, and systemic accountability," Mahato stated in his letter to the Ranchi Civil Surgeon. Addressing health and safety concerns raised by attending physicians, the student leader assured authorities that he would strictly adhere to all necessary medical guidelines, precautions, and prescribed protocols if permitted to return to the satyagraha site at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium.Background of the Vidhan Sabha March and Police ActionThe agitation reached a critical junction on August 10, when hundreds of student protesters under Mahato’s leadership attempted to march towards the Jharkhand Vidhan Sabha to press their demands during the legislative session. Law enforcement authorities intercepted the rally near barricades, resulting in a confrontation. Police personnel utilized physical force and crowd control measures to disperse the demonstrators, during which Mahato's condition collapsed due to prolonged fasting combined with physical exertion. He was immediately evacuated by emergency medical teams and admitted to the ICU of Sadar Hospital, where doctors reported severe dehydration, low blood sugar levels, and bodily weakness. Despite medical interventions and intravenous fluids administered by hospital staff, Mahato has maintained that his indefinite hunger strike remains active until the state government addresses the student union's charter of demands.

Demands for Exam Transparency and Administrative Response

The core demands of the protesting aspirants include an independent judicial or central agency probe into recent JSSC and JPSC recruitment examinations, the cancellation of tainted examination processes, the formal publication of standardized answer keys, and the implementation of stringent anti-paper leak legislation within the state. Demonstrators at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium have maintained a continuous vigil, holding daily satyagraha assemblies to demand an executive audience with state ministers.

District administrative officials and medical authorities in Ranchi have maintained a cautious stance regarding Mahato's written request. Medical officers underscored that discharge or relocation permissions for p...