Patna: Thousands of Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) aspirants gathered at Gandhi Maidan, demanding the cancellation and re-conduct of the 70th Integrated Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) Preliminary 2024 amidst allegations of a question paper leak. The protests escalated on Sunday, with demonstrators breaking through police barricades and clashing with security personnel in parts of the city.
Protests Intensify in Patna
- Key Incidents:
- Protestors breached two police barricades near JP Golambar, leading to minor scuffles with law enforcement.
- Police deployed lathi charges and water cannons to disperse the crowd as they attempted to march towards Dak Bungalow via Fraser Road.
- A heavy police presence, including barricades, was stationed near Hotel Maurya to prevent escalation.
- Support and Backlash:
- The protests have garnered widespread attention, with activists, politicians, and educationalists expressing solidarity with the aspirants.
- Prashant Kishor, founder of the Jan Suraaj Party, supported the students, calling out systemic corruption in Bihar’s examination system.
Prashant Kishor Backs Students’ Demands
Prashant Kishor joined the protestors, emphasizing the need to address corruption in BPSC exams. He announced plans to hold a “Chatra Sansad” (Students’ Parliament) near Mahatma Gandhi’s statue at Gandhi Maidan, stating:
“Irregularities and paper leaks have become the norm in BPSC exams. It’s time for systemic reform.”
District Administration’s Response
- Restrictions Imposed:
Patna District Magistrate Chandrasekhar Singh declared Gandhi Maidan a restricted area, warning protestors against gathering there.- DM’s Statement: “Strict action will be taken against coaching institutes or individuals involved in the protests or found guilty of misconduct in the exams.”
- Security Measures:
- Adequate personnel deployed in and around Gandhi Maidan to prevent law and order violations.
- Warnings of legal consequences for those taking the law into their hands.
Allegations and Demands
The protests stem from claims that the BPSC Preliminary Exam held on December 13, 2024, was marred by a question paper leak. Aspirants have accused the examination body of negligence and demanded:
- Immediate cancellation of the exam.
- A transparent and fair re-conduct of the 70th BPSC Prelims.
What’s Next?
The protests highlight deep-seated frustrations among students over the credibility of public examinations in Bihar. As the situation unfolds, all eyes remain on the Bihar government and the BPSC to address these allegations and take corrective measures.
