Students Clash With Police During Patna Protest
The BPSC exam row intensified in Patna on August 25 as thousands of students and job aspirants took to the streets over alleged irregularities in the Bihar Public Service Commission’s examination process. The protest escalated into clashes between students and police after demonstrators broke through barricades while marching towards Raj Bhavan and the Chief Minister’s residence.
Police used water cannons and lathi-charge to disperse the protesters after the situation turned tense. Several protesters were detained, while injuries were reported among both students and police personnel.
Why Are Students Protesting?
The latest agitation is linked to demands concerning the 70th BPSC examination as well as the upcoming Teacher Recruitment Examination, or TRE-4. Students have raised concerns over the examination process and alleged irregularities.
A section of protesters is demanding the cancellation of the 70th BPSC examination, while teacher recruitment aspirants are seeking changes to the proposed examination format.
Students have also demanded a single-stage examination for teacher recruitment instead of a preliminary test followed by a mains examination.
Protest March Turns Chaotic in Patna
The protesters began their march from Gandhi Maidan and attempted to move towards Raj Bhavan and the Chief Minister’s residence. Heavy security arrangements were deployed across central Patna to prevent protesters from entering restricted areas.
The situation became tense when demonstrators breached police barricades. Police subsequently deployed water cannons and resorted to lathi-charge to disperse the crowd.
According to reports, Deputy Superintendent of Police Kamakhya Narayan Singh was among the police personnel injured during the clashes.
Controversial BPSC Remark Adds to Anger
The student agitation was also intensified by remarks attributed to a BPSC examination controller during the ongoing dispute. The official later issued an apology, but the controversy added to students’ dissatisfaction with the commission.
The remarks became one of several issues cited by protesters as they demanded greater accountability and transparency from the examination authorities.
Students Demand Changes in Recruitment Process
Apart from seeking action over the 70th BPSC examination, protesters have raised several demands concerning recruitment examinations in Bihar.
Among their concerns are the examination pattern for teacher recruitment, negative marking and other aspects of the recruitment process. Students have argued that changes to examination rules should be made transparently and with adequate consultation.
The protests reflect broader frustration among government-job aspirants over delays, examination procedures and recruitment-related uncertainty.
Government Announces Student Support Measures
Amid the growing protests, the Bihar government has announced measures aimed at addressing student grievances. These include plans for monthly student support camps where candidates can raise complaints and seek assistance.
The government has maintained that it is willing to engage with students and address genuine concerns surrounding recruitment examinations.
Meanwhile, political leaders have also responded to the protests. Bihar Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav has urged the government to engage in dialogue with the protesting students and address their demands.
BPSC Recruitment Dispute Remains Unresolved
The latest clashes have brought the BPSC recruitment process back into the spotlight. With thousands of candidates dependent on competitive examinations for government jobs, questions surrounding transparency, examination patterns and recruitment timelines remain significant.
The immediate focus is now on whether the Bihar government and BPSC will hold discussions with student representatives and whether any changes will be made to the disputed examination procedures.
The situation in Patna remains closely watched as students continue to demand clarity and accountability from the authorities.