Bihar: Thousands Of BPSC Aspirants Protest At Gandhi Maidan Despite No Permission; Prashant Kishor To Join

Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) aspirants have been protesting at Gandhi Maidan, Patna, demanding a re-examination. Despite police efforts to disperse them, the protest has gained momentum with support from Jansuraj Party workers. Prashant Kishor, the party's chief, is expected to join the demonstrators soon.

The protestors are calling for the cancellation of the 70th Integrated Combined Competitive Examination (CCE), 2024. They allege that there was a question paper leak and argue that cancelling only one centre's exam would be unfair. The candidates have been staging a dharna at Gardani Bagh for several days.

Protesters Break Barricades

Prashant Kishore had urged students to gather at Mahatma Gandhi's statue for a 'Chatra Sansad'. However, authorities denied permission for this event. When police asked them to leave, students began chanting slogans. Jansuraj Party workers joined with posters and banners, breaking through barricades to approach the statue.

On Saturday, Prashant Kishore visited Gardani Bagh where aspirants have been protesting. He stated, "Before coming here, I had a long discussion with people from the education field. I must say that irregularities and paper leaks have now become the norm as far as BPSC exams are concerned. It can't go on like this."

BPSC Stands Firm

The BPSC has ruled out cancelling the December 13 exam despite allegations of irregularities. Examination Controller Rajesh Kumar Singh said there is no plan to cancel it entirely. He mentioned that only one centre's exam was disrupted due to unruly behaviour and will be rescheduled on January 4.

Singh also claimed that private coaching institutes are instigating students to demand a full cancellation, which he considers baseless. The commission remains firm in its decision regarding the examination process.

District Administration's Proposal

The Patna district administration has suggested a meeting between candidates and commission officials to address grievances about the December 13 exam. District Magistrate Chandrashekhar Singh asked protesters to nominate five representatives for talks with BPSC officials.

The administration assures candidates that their concerns will be heard and addressed appropriately within a reasonable timeframe. They aim to facilitate communication between aspirants and commission officials for resolving issues related to the examination.