In recent weeks, Patna has become the epicenter of significant unrest as aspirants of the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) protested against allegations of a question paper leak during the 70th Integrated Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) conducted on December 13, 2024. The controversy has escalated as the BPSC decided against canceling the examination, intensifying student outrage and drawing in political and public scrutiny. This report delves into the background, police responses, political reactions, and the broader implications of the ongoing protests.
Background of the Protests
The protests erupted after allegations surfaced that the question paper for the 70th CCE was leaked prior to the examination. Aspirants gathered in large numbers at Gardanibagh and marched toward the BPSC office, demanding the cancellation of the exam and a re-examination for all candidates. Protesters argued that conducting a re-examination for only one center, as proposed by the BPSC, would compromise the fairness and equity of the selection process. On December 24, BPSC Chairperson Parmar Rai Manubhai reiterated that while a re-examination would occur for some candidates, the entire examination would not be canceled.
Police Response and Political Reactions
Police Actions
The protests saw a dramatic turn when the police resorted to a baton charge to disperse the demonstrators. Several students sustained injuries, leading to widespread criticism of the police’s heavy-handed approach. Aspirants alleged that their peaceful demonstrations were met with undue aggression, further fueling tensions.
Political Reactions
The opposition parties, including the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress, seized upon the unrest to criticize the ruling coalition of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)]. RJD Chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi condemned the government’s handling of the protests, describing the police’s actions as “shameful” and indicative of governance failures. Prominent political strategist Prashant Kishor also joined the protests, highlighting systemic issues in Bihar’s examination processes and demanding immediate reforms.
On the other hand, BJP leaders dismissed the allegations of a paper leak as baseless and accused opposition parties of politicizing the issue for electoral gains. They maintained that the protests were being orchestrated to undermine public confidence in the administration.
Role of Private Coaching Institutes
Private coaching institutes have played a significant role in mobilizing students and amplifying their grievances. Some officials have accused these institutes of inciting protests, while educators from these centers have openly supported the students. For instance, Khan Sir, a well-known educator, has actively participated in demonstrations, emphasizing the need for transparency in public examinations.
Historically, coaching institutes have been both facilitators of student protests and targets of criticism during examination controversies. Their involvement underscores the broader challenges within Bihar’s educational system, including systemic corruption and inadequacies in examination processes.
Broader Implications
Examination Integrity
The BPSC controversy has once again raised questions about the integrity of public examinations in Bihar. With over five lakh candidates participating in the 70th CCE, the stakes are high, and any perceived irregularities undermine the credibility of the selection process.
Political Landscape
The protests have become a political flashpoint, with opposition parties leveraging the unrest to criticize the government’s governance and youth policies. The controversy has also highlighted the growing frustration among Bihar’s youth, a critical demographic in the state’s political and social fabric.
Governance and Accountability
The ongoing protests have emphasized the need for systemic reforms in the state’s examination processes. Transparency, accountability, and robust mechanisms to prevent malpractices are essential to restore public confidence in institutions like the BPSC.
The BPSC paper leak allegations and the ensuing protests reflect deeper systemic issues within Bihar’s educational and governance structures. While the BPSC’s decision to conduct a re-examination for a single center aims to address specific grievances, it has failed to quell widespread dissatisfaction among aspirants. As the protests continue, the government faces mounting pressure to address student concerns and implement reforms that ensure fairness and integrity in public examinations. The outcome of this controversy will likely have far-reaching implications for both Bihar’s governance and its political landscape.
