BPSC row: As protests continue, some candidates oppose re-exam for all as ‘gross injustice’

 

The ongoing protests related to the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) 70th Combined Preliminary Examination have drawn widespread attention, raising questions about the transparency and integrity of the examination process. This article delves into the roots of the controversy, the demands of the protesters, and the implications for governance and public service recruitment in Bihar.

Background of the BPSC Examination

The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) is an autonomous body responsible for recruiting candidates for various civil services in the state. The 70th Combined Preliminary Examination, held in December 2024, was aimed at selecting candidates for multiple administrative positions. The examination, conducted across 912 centers statewide, saw participation from tens of thousands of aspirants. However, significant irregularities have overshadowed the event, sparking anger and protests among the candidates.

Core Allegations and Issues

Several issues surrounding the examination have led to public outrage:

1. Delay in Examination Process

One of the initial triggers for the protests was the delay in the distribution of question papers at several examination centers, notably in Patna. At some locations, candidates had to wait for hours before receiving their papers, disrupting the examination schedule and creating chaos.

2. Poor Quality of Question Papers

Aspirants have alleged that the quality of the question paper was substandard. Many candidates pointed out that the questions were identical or highly similar to those in model test papers provided by certain coaching institutes. This has led to accusations of favoritism and an unfair advantage to those associated with these institutes.

3. Allegations of Question Paper Leaks

Rumors of a question paper leak before the examination have further intensified the controversy. Although the BPSC has denied these allegations, candidates have demanded an independent investigation to verify the claims.

4. Technical and Logistical Issues

Candidates also reported issues such as insufficient seating arrangements, lack of basic amenities at examination centers, and unprofessional conduct by invigilators. These logistical challenges have compounded the dissatisfaction among aspirants.

Student Protests

In response to these irregularities, candidates began protesting in Patna and other parts of the state. The protests started peacefully but have since escalated, drawing the attention of political figures and civil society. Key demands of the protesters include:

• Cancellation of the Preliminary Examination: Aspirants have called for the annulment of the 70th Preliminary Examination, citing the lack of fairness and transparency.
• Conduct of a Fresh Examination: Protesters demand a new examination under stricter supervision and improved logistical arrangements.
• Withdrawal of Legal Cases: During the protests, several students were detained, and FIRs were filed against them for disrupting public order. Protesters have demanded the withdrawal of these cases.
• Accountability of BPSC Officials: Students have urged the state government to take strict action against BPSC officials responsible for the mismanagement.

Political Intervention

The protests gained significant momentum with the involvement of Prashant Kishor, a prominent political strategist-turned-activist. Kishor, who has been vocal about the need for systemic reforms in Bihar, joined the students in their agitation. On January 2, 2025, Kishor began an indefinite hunger strike at Gandhi Maidan in Patna, lending further legitimacy to the protesters' demands.

Kishor's intervention has brought national attention to the issue, but it has also added a political dimension to the protests. While his supporters view his actions as a genuine effort to stand with the students, critics argue that his involvement could politicize the issue and detract from the core concerns of the aspirants.

Government Response

The Bihar government has acknowledged the protests and expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue with the students. Chief Secretary Amrit Lal Meena invited representatives of the protesting students for discussions to resolve the matter. However, the government has thus far refrained from acceding to the demand for a retest, stating that the examination was conducted in adherence to established protocols.

Despite the government's assurances, the protesters remain unconvinced, citing a lack of transparency and accountability in the examination process. The failure to reach a resolution has prolonged the agitation and created a standoff between the students and the authorities.

Escalation of Protests

The situation took a tragic turn with the suicide of Sonu Kumar, a BPSC aspirant reportedly under immense stress due to the uncertainties surrounding the examination. Kumar's death has become a rallying point for the protesters, who see it as a grim reminder of the mental and emotional toll of such controversies on young aspirants.

The government’s crackdown on protests, including the detention of Prashant Kishor and the filing of FIRs against hundreds of protesters, has further inflamed public sentiment. On January 6, 2025, Kishor was forcibly removed from his hunger strike site and detained by the Bihar Police, a move that has drawn criticism from opposition parties and civil rights organizations.

Implications of the Protest

The BPSC protest underscores deeper systemic issues in Bihar’s public service recruitment process. The controversy has highlighted several critical areas for reform:

1. Need for Transparency: The allegations of question paper leaks and favoritism underline the importance of transparency in examination processes.
2. Improved Examination Infrastructure: The logistical failures witnessed during the 70th Preliminary Examination call for better planning and execution of future exams.
3. Accountability Mechanisms: There is a pressing need for accountability mechanisms to address grievances and hold officials responsible for mismanagement.
4. Mental Health Support for Aspirants: The suicide of Sonu Kumar highlights the need for mental health support systems for aspirants facing the pressures of competitive exams.

Conclusion

The ongoing BPSC protests reflect the frustration and disillusionment of Bihar’s youth with systemic inefficiencies and perceived injustices in public service recruitment. While the protesters' demands are centered on the immediate concerns of the 70th Preliminary Examination, the broader issues at play point to the need for comprehensive reforms in the state’s governance and administrative systems.

The resolution of this crisis will require a balanced approach that addresses the concerns of the aspirants while safeguarding the credibility of the BPSC. It is imperative for the Bihar government and the BPSC to take swift and transparent actions to restore public trust and ensure the integrity of the recruitment process.