Tensions flared significantly in the capital of Bihar as large groups of competitive exam aspirants flooded the streets of Patna to demand the immediate cancellation of the 70th BPSC examination. The demonstrators have leveled serious allegations of paper leaks and systematic irregularities in the test, arguing that their future is being compromised. What began days ago as a peaceful sit-in protest at the Gardanibagh dharna site over a 15-point charter of demands has now transformed into a major street agitation.
March Toward the Chief Minister's Residence and Barricade Breaches
The student-youth struggle front had called upon candidates and young aspirants from across Bihar to gather in massive numbers to support the movement. On Tuesday, the charged crowd attempted to march directly toward the Chief Minister's residence. During the march, protesters forcefully broke through heavy police barricading at the JP Golambar. This led to sharp scuffles and clashes between the aggressive protesters and security personnel deployed at the site, creating a chaotic atmosphere in the area.
Leadership Stance and Administrative Dialogue
Addressing the ongoing standoff, student leaders maintained that their core concerns have been formally communicated to the authorities. A prominent student leader stated, 'हमने अधिकारियों के सामने अपनी मांगें रखीं हैं।' While acknowledging that officials gave assurances about relaying their grievances to the government and noted a positive verbal response regarding some education department norms, the leadership emphasized that street protests would proceed as planned unless concrete written guarantees are provided or direct talks with the chief minister yield results.
Core Demands of the Protesting Students
The movement encompasses a comprehensive list of grievances concerning the state's recruitment processes. The primary demands put forward by the aspirants include
- Conducting the BPSC TRE-4 examination as a single-stage test just like before.
- Removing the negative marking scheme entirely from competitive exams.
- The complete cancellation and re-notification of the 70th BPSC examination.
- Strict implementation of an 'one candidate, one result' policy.
- Abolishing the weightage benefits given to contractual workers through BSSC.
- Announcing official exam dates for CGL-4, BSO, and AEDO.
- Enforcing a domicile policy and ensuring permanent jobs instead of contractual positions.
Government Action and Formation of a High-Level Committee
In response to the intense demonstrations and mounting pressure, the administration has initiated corrective measures. The government announced the formation of a 5-member committee tasked with reviewing safeguards to prevent examination irregularities and ensuring absolute transparency and fairness in future tests. This committee will be headed by a retired judge. Additionally, official notifications for recruitment under BPSC TRE-4 have been released.
Controversial Official Statements Add Fuel to the Fire
The situation escalated further after controversial remarks by a BPSC official regarding the student protests went viral online. Taking immediate note of the backlash, Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary ordered the suspension of the official. While the government attempts to stabilize the situation through administrative reviews and disciplinary actions, the student body remains firm on its core demands as demonstrations continue.
