Student Protests Over Exams Escalate Into Clashes With Police in India
World
Student protests in India’s Bihar state escalated into clashes with police after demonstrators attempted to break through security barricades. In Patna, hundreds of students and young job seekers are demanding the cancellation of the 70th Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) examination, citing alleged irregularities and a suspected leak of examination papers.
The protesters began their march from Gandhi Maidan and headed towards the residence of Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary. After demonstrators attempted to cross police barricades, law-enforcement officers used water cannons and batons. Several protesters were detained.
The dispute extends beyond the 70th BPSC examination. Candidates are also opposing the proposed two-stage format for the Teacher Recruitment Examination, TRE-4, and are demanding that it be conducted as a single examination. They have also called for the immediate publication of the official TRE-4 notification.
Tensions were further heightened by comments from BPSC Examination Controller Rajesh Kumar Singh. Responding to allegations of a question-paper leak, he used a Hindi proverb referring to an elephant walking through a market while dogs bark. The remark triggered criticism from protesters and opposition figures. Singh later said that his statement had been taken out of context and that he had not intended to offend anyone.
The Bihar government has said it is prepared to address students’ concerns. State Education Minister Mithilesh Tiwari announced plans to increase the number of vacancies under TRE-4.0. Amid the protests, the government has also launched monthly forums to hear and address student grievances.
The dispute extends beyond the 70th BPSC examination. Candidates are also opposing the proposed two-stage format for the Teacher Recruitment Examination, TRE-4, and are demanding that it be conducted as a single examination. They have also called for the immediate publication of the official TRE-4 notification.
Tensions were further heightened by comments from BPSC Examination Controller Rajesh Kumar Singh. Responding to allegations of a question-paper leak, he used a Hindi proverb referring to an elephant walking through a market while dogs bark. The remark triggered criticism from protesters and opposition figures. Singh later said that his statement had been taken out of context and that he had not intended to offend anyone.
The Bihar government has said it is prepared to address students’ concerns. State Education Minister Mithilesh Tiwari announced plans to increase the number of vacancies under TRE-4.0. Amid the protests, the government has also launched monthly forums to hear and address student grievances.
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