The ongoing Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) exam row is increasingly picking up momentum. It has become a focal point for political debate and unrest in Bihar. Students are demanding the cancellation of the 70th BPSC exam held on 13th December 2024 altogether and citing irregularities like a lack of transparency and systemic flaws. The question is whether this BPSC exam protest is justified and warrants such massive demonstrations or not.
Understanding the BPSC Exam Protest
The BPSC protest centres on claims of malpractice during the preliminary examination conducted across 925 centres for over five lakh aspirants. A key point of contention is the alleged delay in distributing question papers at certain centres, particularly the Bapu Sabhagar venue in Patna, which led to chaos and the subsequent cancellation of the exam for that specific centre.
This partial cancellation has raised concerns among aspirants about fairness and equality, as they argue that re-examination for one centre undermines the principle of a level playing field.
BPSC aspirants are alleging other irregularities too. They are saying that in some centres CCTV cameras were inactive. Also, the questions in the actual exam and some coaching centre materials were quite similar. Thus, angry students are demanding the complete cancellation of the BPSC exam and want a fresh exam to be conducted to ensure transparency and fairness.
The Government’s Response
The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) and the state government have outrightly rejected the demand for a re-exam, stating that isolated incidents do not justify scrapping an entire process. However, the BPSC exam protest escalated when the police intervened to disperse protesters using water cannons and mild lathi charges. Videos of the crackdown show students being beaten, despite police claims to the contrary.
SP City Sweety Sahrawat explained that the police had asked the protestors to vacate Gandhi Maidan, citing the absence of a representative to engage in dialogue. However, the protesters remained adamant, insisting on their right to demonstrate in public spaces.
The police’s use of force has drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders, including Prashant Kishore, who condemned the government for turning democracy into a “lathi-tantra” (baton rule).
Political and Public Backing
The BPSC protest has garnered significant political support. Prashant Kishore, along with his Jan Suraj Party, has been actively participating in the demonstrations. Kishore emphasised the importance of democratic rights, stating, “If students cannot speak their minds, democracy loses its essence.”
Other political parties like the CPI-ML, RJD, and Congress have also extended solidarity with the protesters, with leaders urging Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to engage in meaningful dialogue with the aspirants.
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav has written multiple letters to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, advocating for a re-exam and highlighting the students’ future at stake. However, the state government has shown little inclination to reconsider its stance, further intensifying the BPSC exam row.
Why Are Students Refusing to Back Down?
The students’ demands are rooted in their aspirations for a fair recruitment process. The stakes are high, as the BPSC exam determines eligibility for prestigious Group A and B posts, including SDMs and DSPs. The aspirants argue that the integrity of such a significant examination cannot be compromised by dismissing allegations of irregularities.
Aspirants also contest the Commission’s refusal to implement a normalisation process, which could address the discrepancies caused by varying levels of question paper difficulty across different shifts. For many students, this lack of accountability reflects a systemic disregard for merit and fairness.
The Broader Implications
The BPSC exam protest highlights deeper systemic challenges within India’s public examination framework. Issues like paper leaks, administrative lapses, and different rules at different centres have cropped up repeatedly. They have been undermining the credibility of recruitment processes across the country for several years.
The student demonstrations in Bihar also show how the youth’s increasing frustration over the lack of employment opportunities and good governance. The BPSC protest is not about one exam. It reflects the broader discontent of Indian youth over perceived systemic apathy about their aspirations.
Is the Protest Justified?
From a democratic perspective, the students’ right to protest is undeniable. Public demonstrations are a legitimate means of seeking accountability and transparency from institutions entrusted with shaping their future. The grievances raised, particularly those concerning fairness and the integrity of the examination process, are valid and deserve a comprehensive investigation.
However, the escalation of the BPSC exam row into a full-blown political standoff risks diverting attention from the core issue. Political leaders must exercise caution to ensure that their involvement does not undermine the students’ movement or allow it to be perceived as a political gimmick.
The Path Forward
The way forward lies in constructive dialogue. The state government must address the protesters’ concerns transparently, perhaps by commissioning an independent inquiry into the alleged irregularities. Such a step would demonstrate a commitment to fairness while preserving the credibility of the BPSC.
Simultaneously, the protesting students must remain open to discussions and avoid actions that could disrupt public order or escalate tensions further. Their cause is significant, and maintaining the movement’s focus on fairness and transparency will bolster its legitimacy.
Conclusion
The BPSC exam protest is a critical moment in Bihar’s socio-political landscape, reflecting the aspirations and frustrations of its youth. While the demand for justice is justified, both the government and the protesters must navigate this controversy with care to preserve the integrity of public institutions and uphold democratic principles. Only through dialogue and accountability can this stalemate reach a resolution that is fair to all stakeholders.
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