Jharkhand cancels JSSC-CGL exam, Devendra Mahto ends 16-day hunger strike

Student leader Devendra Mahto ended his 16-day hunger strike on Tuesday after the Jharkhand government cancelled the JSSC-CGL examination and all TDPL-conducted tests. Mahto, along with protestors Umme Habiba and Rahul Kranti, broke their fast in the presence of state ministers Dipika Pandey Singh and Irfan Ansari.

The government also agreed to form an examination reforms committee to review recruitment and improve transparency. Mahto thanked Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, and the ministers for accepting the demands. "Cancelling an exam was a massive challenge," he said, calling the move a bold step.

Mahto said the "struggle for reform" will continue to ensure no paper leaks or irregularities recur. Umme Habiba separately demanded the withdrawal of all FIRs against student protestors, reinstatement of suspended teacher Santosh Mastana, and closure of CID case No 025. The government has also agreed to hold a special Assembly session to discuss the issues.