BPSC Exam Row: Alleged Irregularities Spark Protests, Hunger Strikes, and Political Backlash
Patna, Bihar – The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) finds itself embroiled in a growing controversy surrounding the 70th Combined Competitive Examination (CCE), held on December 13, 2024. Allegations of irregularities, including paper leaks and a significant 45-minute delay at a Patna examination centre, have ignited widespread student protests, hunger strikes, and a political firestorm. Aspirants, frustrated by the perceived compromise of the examination’s integrity, have taken to the streets, demanding a thorough investigation and appropriate action. The situation has escalated with clashes between protesters and police, further intensifying the already tense atmosphere.
The controversy began almost immediately after the December 13th exam, with reports of the paper leak rapidly circulating on social media. Aspirants alleged that the question paper was accessible before the official commencement of the exam, casting a shadow of doubt over the fairness and transparency of the entire process. The reported 45-minute delay at a Patna examination centre added fuel to the fire, raising concerns about logistical mismanagement and potential advantages given to some candidates. The perceived lack of immediate and decisive action by the BPSC further exacerbated the students’ anxieties and frustrations, leading to organized protests demanding accountability and justice.
The demonstrations have gained momentum with students resorting to hunger strikes as a desperate measure to draw attention to their grievances. Their demands include a comprehensive investigation into the alleged irregularities, strict action against those responsible, and a reassessment of the examination process. The protests have attracted support from prominent public figures, including educator Khan Sir and Member of Parliament Pappu Yadav, who have voiced solidarity with the protesting aspirants and called for a fair resolution to the issue. This public backing has further amplified the students’ voices and increased pressure on the BPSC and the state government.
The political landscape in Bihar has also been significantly impacted by the BPSC exam controversy. Opposition leaders, including Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rahul Gandhi, and Arvind Kejriwal, have seized the opportunity to criticize the Nitish Kumar government’s handling of the situation. They have accused the government of insensitivity to student concerns, alleging a lack of transparency and inadequate measures to address the alleged irregularities. The issue has quickly become a political flashpoint, with the opposition attempting to leverage the student protests to highlight perceived governance failures. The ruling coalition, facing mounting pressure, has defended the BPSC’s actions, emphasizing the limited scope of the issues and the steps taken to address them.
The BPSC, in response to the mounting pressure, has announced a re-examination for the affected Patna centre but has firmly rejected calls for a complete cancellation of the preliminary examination. This decision has been met with mixed reactions. While some acknowledge the BPSC’s attempt to rectify the situation at the specific centre, many aspirants remain dissatisfied, arguing that the isolated re-examination does not address the broader concerns regarding the alleged paper leak and the overall integrity of the examination process. They argue that a complete re-examination is necessary to ensure a level playing field for all candidates.
As the protests continue and the political rhetoric intensifies, the future of the 70th BPSC CCE remains uncertain. The aspirants, determined to secure a fair and transparent examination process, show no signs of relenting in their demands. The BPSC faces the challenging task of restoring public trust and ensuring the integrity of the examination while navigating the complex political landscape. The ongoing developments will undoubtedly have significant implications for the future of competitive examinations in Bihar and the state’s political dynamics. The situation requires careful handling and a commitment to transparency and accountability to address the students’ legitimate concerns and restore faith in the examination system.