Patna, 25 August (H.S.):

Protests by students and job aspirants intensified in Patna on Tuesday as demonstrators broke through police barricades while marching from Gandhi Maidan towards Raj Bhavan, demanding the cancellation of the 70th Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) examination over alleged irregularities. Police deployed water cannons to disperse the protesters as tensions rose along the route.

The agitation also focused on the proposed fourth phase of the Teacher Recruitment Examination (TRE-4). Protesters opposed the plan to conduct the recruitment examination in two phases and demanded the release of the official TRE-4 notification. They have also sought a single-stage examination and changes in the recruitment process.

Security was strengthened across key points in Patna, including Dak Bungalow Chowk and JP Golambar, with a large police contingent deployed to prevent protesters from entering restricted areas and to regulate traffic.

Police officials said barricades had been installed and senior officers were present at the site. Authorities also said discussions with student representatives were underway and described the talks as positive, while maintaining that protesters would not be allowed to proceed into restricted areas.

The protesters have raised several demands concerning recruitment examinations, including the BPSC, Bihar Staff Selection Commission and Sub-Inspector recruitment processes. Congress leader Sushil Kumar said the students were seeking a single-stage TRE-4 examination and the removal of negative marking, among other measures. He also called on Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary to hold direct talks with a delegation of protesters.

Meanwhile, Bihar Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav wrote to Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, urging the government to address the students' grievances and initiate constructive dialogue. Yadav's Rashtriya Janata Dal has extended support to the agitation, while several student and youth organisations have also backed the protest.

In response to the growing unrest, Choudhary announced the launch of monthly “Vidyarthi Sahyog Shivir”, or student support camps. The camps are to be organised at educational institutions on the fourth Tuesday of every month, providing students an opportunity to raise their grievances directly with government officials. The Chief Minister also announced an online grievance mechanism and a dedicated 1100 helpline for students.

The protest has also been fuelled by controversy surrounding remarks made by BPSC Examination Controller Rajesh Kumar Singh while responding to allegations concerning irregularities and a purported paper leak in the 70th BPSC examination. Singh used the Hindi proverb, “Haathi chale bazaar, kutta bhaunke hazaar,” prompting criticism from protesters and opposition leaders.

Tejashwi Yadav criticised the remark and demanded action against the official, arguing that such language was inappropriate while addressing students protesting over issues affecting their careers and future.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar