The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) preliminary examination has faced substantial unrest as students demand the cancellation of the exam. This turmoil has coincided with Prashant Kishor, the founder of the Jan Suraj Party, embarking on a hunger strike in solidarity with students advocating for the exam’s annulment. Despite these protests, the BPSC is scheduled to conduct a re-examination today, December 4, across 22 centers. This particularly concerns the Bapu examination center in Patna, where the initial exam was canceled due to student protests. The re-exam is set to take place from noon to 2 PM, with robust security measures in place to ensure a smooth process.
Security Measures for the Re-exam
In light of the ongoing protests, the local administration has implemented several stringent measures surrounding the examination centers. A curfew has been imposed in the vicinity, and 65 magistrates will oversee the process, with 14 stationed at the district control room and 7 patrolling the exam centers. Additionally, a significant police presence has been deployed to maintain order during the examination and to counter any potential disturbances, such as protests or sit-ins. Authorities have also mandated the closure of all cyber cafes within a 100-meter radius of the exam centers to prevent any unfair practices.
Comprehensive Monitoring
The examination centers will be under continuous surveillance through CCTV cameras, ensuring that all activities are recorded. This is part of BPSC’s commitment to conducting a fair examination amidst existing unrest.
Background: Why Was the Exam Canceled?
The controversy originated from the BPSC preliminary examination held on December 13, where disturbances erupted at one center. Students alleged they did not receive the exam papers on time and raised claims of malpractice. The situation escalated when a student was reportedly slapped by Patna’s District Magistrate, further igniting the protests. Following these incidents, the BPSC decided to cancel the exam at the Bapu center, but the student body is demanding a complete annulment of all exams conducted statewide.
The Ongoing Protests
The students have been persistent in their demands for the cancellation of the entire examination process across Bihar, a request that BPSC has not accommodated. This has led to a series of protests, significantly supported by local coaching institute operators, including Khan Sir, a well-known figure in Patna. As the situation evolves, Prashant Kishor’s hunger strike highlights the urgency and intensity of the students’ plight for justice in the examination process.
Conclusion
The unfolding situation surrounding the BPSC re-exam reflects deep concerns within the student community regarding fairness and transparency in academic evaluations. As the re-examination takes place today, all eyes will be on the authorities to ensure that the process flows without disruption, while the larger issue of student rights and examination integrity remains at the forefront of public discourse.