BPSC 70th Preliminary Exam Re-Test Tomorrow Across 22 Centers Amid Protests and Hunger Strike

This decision comes after the original examination held on December 13 at Bapu Examination Center was canceled due to disruptions and allegations of malpractice.

The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) is set to conduct the re-examination for the integrated 70th combined (preliminary) competitive test tomorrow, January 4, 2025, across 22 centers under strict security arrangements. This decision comes after the original examination held on December 13 at Bapu Examination Center was canceled due to disruptions and allegations of malpractice.

District Magistrate Dr. Chandrashekhar Singh, in a joint statement with Senior Superintendent of Police Avkash Kumar, assured that conducting the examination in a fair and malpractice-free environment remains the administration's top priority. Entry to the exam centers will be allowed strictly between 9:30 am and 11:00 am, with no exceptions for late arrivals. The administration has mobilized extensive resources, including the deployment of static magistrates, zonal magistrates, and flying squad teams to monitor the examination process. Additional magistrates will be on standby at the district control room to address any unforeseen situations.

To ensure fairness, invigilators will frisk candidates inside the examination halls to prevent the use of prohibited items such as mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, Wi-Fi gadgets, electronic pens, and pagers. The ban also extends to everyday items like whiteners, blades, and erasers to eliminate any possibility of malpractice. Control rooms have been set up to assist candidates, operational during specific hours, with a 24-hour helpline available for emergencies.

Protests Escalate: Students and Leaders Raise Demands

Amid these preparations, protests against alleged irregularities in the December 13 examination continue to intensify. Jan Suraj founder Prashant Kishor has taken a significant step by launching a hunger strike, demanding a high-level investigation into the alleged corruption and transparency in the examination process. Kishor, who has listed five key demands, including justice for victims of lathicharge and stricter measures against misconduct, has vowed to continue his strike until his demands are addressed.

Student organizations have announced a march to the Chief Minister’s residence from Gandhi Maidan, pressing for the cancellation of the re-test and compensation for affected families. The death of a candidate named Sonu during the lathicharge has fueled public outrage, with protesters demanding a compensation package of ₹5 crore for his family. Roads in Patna remain blocked, and protesters have threatened to halt trains at the Secretariat Halt in a bid to escalate their movement.

The protests have also garnered political attention. Bar Council of India President and BJP MP Manan Kumar Mishra has urged the state government to address the legitimate concerns of the candidates instead of suppressing their voices through force. Mishra, who has pledged to raise the issue with Home Minister Amit Shah if needed, appealed for peace and restraint among protesters while ensuring their demands are taken seriously. On the other hand, MP Pappu Yadav criticized Prashant Kishor’s hunger strike, calling it a “sham” and accusing him of staging a drama. Yadav has announced plans to join the protest by stopping trains in solidarity with the aggrieved students.

The situation has grown increasingly tense, with thousands of candidates gathering at Gandhi Maidan to raise slogans against the BPSC and demand the cancellation of the examination. Many protesters accused the state government of ignoring their demands and failing to ensure transparency in the recruitment process. On December 26, an attempt to march towards the Chief Minister’s residence was thwarted as police cordoned off JP Golambar, leaving many protesters stranded.

As the re-examination approaches, the focus remains on balancing security and fairness while addressing the grievances of thousands of candidates. The unfolding events have drawn significant public and political attention, underscoring the need for swift and decisive action to restore confidence in the examination system.

Read More:

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