Devendra Nath Mahto Joins Recruitment Reform Yatra in Hazaribagh, Calls for Transparent Exams

Hazaribagh, August 26, 2026; Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) leader Devendra Nath Mahto joined the ‘Recruitment System Reform Yatra’ in Hazaribagh, where a significant number of students and government job aspirants gathered in support of changes to the state’s recruitment process.

Addressing participants during the programme, Mahto said the growing participation of young people reflected widespread concern over the existing recruitment system. He maintained that candidates across Jharkhand are seeking concrete action and reforms rather than repeated assurances.

The campaign is centred on demands for greater transparency and fairness in examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC). Organisers have described the movement as an effort to push for a recruitment mechanism free from irregularities and corruption.

The latest phase of the campaign follows an incident in Ramgarh’s Nemra village, where some residents had opposed Mahto’s proposed programme. The protesters reportedly alleged that an effigy of former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s village head, or Manjhi-Haram, was to be burnt during the campaign.

Despite the opposition, Mahto and participating students proceeded with the second phase of their recruitment campaign from Lukaiya Tand in Nemra. The programme included a tribute to former Chief Minister Shibu Soren and traditional Jharkhand practices, including rituals conducted by pahans, the national anthem accompanied by the madar and the planting of a sal sapling.

The yatra, which began from the Ramgarh region, is scheduled to cover all 24 districts of Jharkhand. Its proposed route includes Hazaribagh, Chatra, Koderma, Giridih, Deoghar, Dumka, Godda, Sahibganj, Pakur, Jamtara, Dhanbad, Bokaro, East Singhbhum, Seraikela-Kharsawan, West Singhbhum, Khunti, Simdega, Gumla, Latehar, Palamu, Garhwa and Ranchi.

Mahto said the campaign seeks to give voice to the aspirations of Jharkhand’s youth, with employment opportunities, examination integrity and the dignity of job seekers forming its central concerns.