Hundreds of students gathered in Patna to protest against the Bihar Public Service Commission's (BPSC) 70th examination, demanding its cancellation and calling for a single-tier Teacher Recruitment Examination (TRE-4). The protest escalated as students broke through police barricades to surround the deputy chief minister Samrat Choudhary's residence, seeking urgent action on alleged exam irregularities and recruitment issues.
Why Students Took to the Streets
The protests began with a march from Gandhi Maidan, a central location in Patna, and culminated at the Dak Bungalow crossing where police attempted to control the crowd using water cannons and lathi charge. Several protesters were detained during the confrontation. Videos from the scene show students carrying the Indian tricolor, pushing past police lines, and vocally demanding transparency and fairness in the recruitment process.
Students have voiced concerns about alleged paper leaks and irregularities in the BPSC 70th exam, which is a key gateway for government jobs in Bihar. They also raised issues related to the Bihar Staff Selection Commission (BSSC) and sub-inspector recruitment processes. A significant demand is the restructuring of the TRE-4 exam into a single-tier format, which they believe would be more transparent and equitable.
Details Behind the Demands
- The BPSC 70th exam is under scrutiny due to accusations of paper leaks and unfair practices.
- Students claim that after document verification, recruitment rules were changed without prior notification, leading to disqualifications.
- Three students have reportedly been on a hunger strike for three days to highlight these issues.
- Protesters have been active in Patna’s Gardanibagh area for weeks, maintaining pressure on authorities.
- Former student leaders allege political targeting, claiming repeated detentions and attacks linked to their activism.
Government Response and Political Reactions
Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary and Education Minister Mithilesh Tiwari have stated that most student concerns have been addressed. Tiwari emphasized the government’s willingness to engage in dialogue and resolve outstanding issues. However, he also criticized opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav for commenting on exam matters without firsthand experience, suggesting he should pass the state board exams before offering advice.
Meanwhile, Tejashwi Yadav has appealed to the deputy chief minister to take swift action to resolve the protests and address the students’ grievances. The political exchange highlights the tension surrounding the recruitment process and the broader implications for governance and youth employment in Bihar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the BPSC 70th exam?
A: The BPSC 70th exam is a competitive examination conducted by the Bihar Public Service Commission to recruit candidates for various government positions in the state.
Q: Why are students demanding the cancellation of the BPSC 70th exam?
A: Students allege that the exam was marred by paper leaks and irregularities, and they claim recruitment rules were changed after document verification without proper notification, affecting their eligibility.
Q: What changes are students seeking in the TRE-4 examination?
A: Protesters want the TRE-4 exam to be conducted as a single-tier process, which they believe would be more transparent and fair compared to the current multi-tier system.
