The Hemant Soren-led JMM government in Jharkhand is facing sharp criticism from the All Jharkhand Students’ Union (AJSU), with party spokesperson Sanjay Mehta declaring that the government has lost its moral right to seek votes. Mehta has accused the administration of a comprehensive failure to deliver on its major promises made to the people of Jharkhand.
Mehta enumerated the government’s significant shortcomings across key sectors, including employment, recruitment, land displacement and rehabilitation, education, law and order, and social justice. He stated that the substantial mandate given by the people has been squandered, leading to widespread disappointment.
The government’s unfulfilled agenda includes promises related to job creation, implementing a strong local employment policy, and ensuring reservations for locals in the private sector. Additionally, critical issues such as teacher recruitment, preventing student migration, curbing exam paper leaks, and regularizing contract employees have seen little concrete progress. Mehta also pointed to the government’s inaction on implementing the PESA Act, securing recognition for the Sarna Code, and enforcing increased OBC reservation, all of which are significant concerns for various communities.
Regarding the Ghatshila constituency, Mehta asserted that the government has no credible achievements to present to the voters. He claimed that the electorate in Ghatshila has been offered mere promises and hollow assurances, while persistent problems of unemployment, inadequate educational infrastructure, and a lack of basic amenities remain unresolved. Consequently, Mehta argued, the JMM and its allies are not in a position to ethically ask for votes in the Ghatshila by-election.
The government’s failure to fulfill its promise of unemployment allowance is a major point of criticism. Job recruitment processes are characterized by delays and backlogs, and the integrity of examinations is undermined by recurrent paper leaks. Scholarship schemes for students are not being implemented effectively, causing hardship. Rehabilitation policies for those displaced by industrial projects are vague, and the state’s law and order situation is deteriorating. Promises concerning tribal rights, local employment quotas, and reservations in the private and outsourced sectors remain unaddressed. Corruption is reportedly widespread, and the demands for regularization and equal pay for contract workers have been ignored. Mehta challenged the government to justify its plea for votes and called upon the public to reject it. AJSU pledged to continue its fight for the genuine issues and development of Jharkhand.