Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) leader Devendra Nath Mahto launched the “Bharti Vyavastha Sudhar Yatra” on Monday from Nemra, paternal village of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) founder Shibu Soren, seeking reforms in the state’s recruitment exams.
The launch in Nemra was marked by protest. Villagers took strong exception to the programme beginning in the village, claiming Hemant Soren was not only the chief minister for them but also the traditional chief of the village. “We will not allow Mahto to enter the village, as Hemant Soren is not only CM of the state but also Manjhi Hadam (chief of the village). “The yatra started from the statue of Dishom Guru Shibu Soren in the village. The state-wide march is the second phase of a massive student-led agitation against systemic exam rigging.
Prasad said: “As many as 40 people are participating in the yatra on six vehicles, and wherever they go, they talk to media and students regarding the corruption in the conduct of recruitment exams and explain how the yatra will help bring reforms. Earlier on August 10, thousands of competitive aspirants marched toward Jharkhand Assembly in Ranchi. Mahto himself spearheaded a 16-day hunger strike, before breaking his fast after the state government announced cancellation of 22 competitive exams.
Under the banner of the JPSC-JSSC Abhiyarthi Reform Manch, the campaign operates with the theme “24 Districts, 24 Resolutions, One Voice,” aiming to build massive public momentum against state recruitment irregularities. Starting any programme against him from his village will send the wrong message,” said one of the villagers, Vijay Kisko, to a section of the media. Villagers had some confusion regarding the yatra and thus tried to obstruct it but when their doubts were cleared, they did not resist,” Prasad said.
The primary trigger for the agitation is a series of recurring exam scandals. “The JLKM is demanding a formal government guarantee ensuring zero paper leaks, absolute transparency, and the elimination of political patronage in state hiring. Facing mounting street protests and evidence of widespread leak rings, Soren government cancelled 45 recruitment examinations linked to outsourced testing agencies, including the JSSC-CGL.
Aspirants are also calling for an independent CBI investigation into the institutional mafia handling state competitive exams,” he said.
