The Patna district administration has extended an olive branch to candidates protesting against the alleged question paper leak in the Bihar Public Service Commission's (BPSC) 70th Integrated Combined Competitive Examination (CCE), held on 13 December.
Protestors, who have staged a week-long dharna at Gardani Bagh, have demanded a complete cancellation of the examination, alleging that the leak compromised its integrity.
In response, the District Magistrate, Chandrasekhar Singh, assured that a meeting with BPSC officials could be arranged if the aspirants nominate five representatives.
“The district administration has offered the protesting aspirants to give a list of the representatives (all of them examinees) so that we can facilitate their meeting with the BPSC authorities over the issue," Singh said on Saturday.
He added, "They can apprise the commission’s officials of their grievances in the meeting. The district administration also assures the protesting aspirants that the commission would take appropriate decisions or a stand within a reasonable time."
The BPSC has already decided to annul the preliminary examination conducted at the Bapu Pariksha Parisar centre, following disruptions caused by a group of unruly aspirants.
A re-examination is scheduled for 4 January at a different centre. However, this move has been criticised by protestors, who argue that it violates the principle of a "level playing field".
Role of coaching institutes under scrutiny
Meanwhile, Patna Police have intensified their investigation, issuing notices to individuals associated with coaching institutes accused of instigating the protestors.
“Yes, notices have been served to them by the Patna Police in this regard. They have been asked to appear before the police at Gardani Bagh police station today... they need to produce evidence regarding the allegations they levelled against government authorities while addressing protesting aspirants,” said Singh.
The police have registered an FIR on the matter, though the DM declined to reveal the names of those summoned.
The protestors remain steadfast in their demand for an across-the-board cancellation of the examination. They contend that a selective re-examination for just one centre undermines fairness and transparency.
The commission, as an independent body, retains full authority to decide on the matter, but the administration's offer of dialogue could provide a pathway to resolution.
However, it remains to be seen whether the protestors will accept the proposal or continue their agitation.
Independent MP from Purnea, Rajesh Ranjan, popularly known as Pappu Yadav, has announced a Bihar bandh on 1 January 2025, demanding the cancellation of the Bihar Public Service Commission’s (BPSC) 70th Combined Preliminary Examination held on 13 December.
Yadav extended his support to the ongoing protests. He has called for immediate action to ensure fairness in the selection process.
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