BPSC Prelims Re-Examination: The demand for a re-examination of the Bihar Public Services Commission (BPSC) prelims held earlier this month has gained significant momentum, with prominent figures like educators Khan Sir and Guru Rahman, along with Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor, joining the protesters in Patna. Aspirants have been staging protests since December 18 at Patna’s Gardanibagh area, citing irregularities at multiple examination centers.
Candidates alleged that CCTV cameras and jammers were non-functional at several centers during the December 13 examination, and question papers were distributed late at multiple locations. They have called for fairness and demanded the cancellation and rescheduling of the exam to ensure transparency.
Why The Protest Began?
The controversy surrounding the BPSC prelims stems from allegations of widespread irregularities:
- Delayed Question Papers:
- Many students reported receiving question papers 20 minutes late, with no additional time provided to fill the OMR sheets.
- Non-Functional Equipment:
- Candidates alleged that CCTV cameras and jammers were not operational, raising concerns about potential malpractices.
- Limited Re-Examination:
- The BPSC has ordered a re-examination at one center in Patna where discrepancies were verified but refused to extend it to other centers, citing lack of evidence.
Aman Kumar, a student leader, said, “This is not just an isolated issue. Similar discrepancies occurred across multiple centers. Fairness demands a re-examination at all centers, not just one.”
Support From Prominent Figures
The protests gained traction as well-known personalities lent their voices to the students’ cause:
- Khan Sir:
- The popular educator joined the protest, expressing solidarity with the students. “I was with the students during their successful protest against ‘normalisation’ in BPSC prelims, and I am with them again now,” he said.
- Prashant Kishor:
- The political strategist and Jan Suraaj Party founder backed the students, initially giving the government a three-day ultimatum to address the issue. After learning of the challenges faced by students protesting in the cold, he revised the ultimatum to 24 hours.
- “If the government does not listen to the students’ demands, I will be at the forefront of the protest march,” Kishor said.
- Rahul Gandhi:
- The Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha expressed his support for the students on social media, calling the controversy an example of systemic issues in Bihar, including paper leaks and examination mismanagement.
BPSC’s Stance On The Issue
A BPSC official stated that while irregularities were verified at one Patna center, the commission could not cancel exams across all centers based solely on allegations. “We need evidence to support claims of widespread discrepancies. At this time, we have only verified issues at one center in Patna,” the official said.
This response has further fueled the anger of protesters, who argue that inconsistencies were prevalent at multiple locations, affecting thousands of candidates.
Students’ Voices And Concerns
Candidates from across Bihar have shared their experiences of discrepancies during the exam:
- Aman Kumar (Sitamarhi):
- “My exam center was in Aurangabad. We received question papers 20 minutes late, and no extra time was given to complete the OMR sheet. This wasn’t an isolated incident.”
- Unified Demands:
- Students are demanding a complete cancellation of the prelims and a fresh, fair examination process across all centers.
Political And Social Implications
The ongoing protests highlight systemic issues in Bihar’s examination processes and raise questions about accountability:
- Government’s Role:
- The protesters argue that the state government and BPSC must take responsibility for ensuring fair examinations and addressing students’ grievances promptly.
- Public Outcry:
- The controversy has sparked widespread discussions about the management of competitive exams and the need for stricter protocols to prevent malpractices.
- Potential Escalation:
- If the demands for re-examination are not met, the protests could intensify, with more students and public figures joining the cause.
Looking Ahead: A Call For Transparency
As the ultimatum set by Prashant Kishor approaches its deadline, the government and BPSC face mounting pressure to address the students’ concerns. Protesters and their supporters are calling for:
- Comprehensive Investigation:
- A thorough inquiry into allegations of irregularities across all centers.
- Fair Re-Examination:
- A fresh prelims exam conducted under strict supervision to ensure transparency.
- Systemic Reforms:
- Improved exam management processes, including functional CCTVs, working jammers, and timely distribution of question papers.
The outcome of these protests will set a precedent for how examination controversies are addressed in Bihar and could influence broader discussions about reforming competitive examination systems in India. For now, all eyes are on the government’s response and whether it will heed the voices of the protesting students.