Bihar civil services aspirants have taken to the streets to protest changes in the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) preliminary test process. Among the escalating tensions, rumors swirled on social media that renowned educator and YouTuber Faizal Khan, popularly known as Khan Sir, had been arrested. However, Patna Police categorically denied the claims, calling them “baseless and misleading.”
Police Refute Arrest Claims
The controversy gained traction when a post on X (formerly Twitter) from a handle named Khan Global Studies demanded Khan Sir‘s release. Sub-divisional Police Officer Dr. Anu Kumari clarified the situation, stating that Khan Sir was neither detained nor arrested. She added that the educator had voluntarily visited the Gardanibagh police station and later requested to be dropped near Atal Path in a police vehicle.
The police statement aimed to quell the misinformation that had further fueled the protests.
What Are The Protesters Demanding?
The protests stem from a “normalization” process in the upcoming 70th BPSC Preliminary Examination, scheduled for December 13. Aspirants are demanding that the exams be conducted in “One Shift and One Paper” to eliminate the need for normalization, which is used to address variations in the difficulty levels of question papers across multiple shifts.
The aspirants argue that the process could lead to inconsistencies in scoring and fairness. The situation intensified when police resorted to a mild lathi charge to disperse protesters gathered near the BPSC office in Patna, sparking public outrage and demands for accountability.
Khan Sir Joins The Protests
Educators like Khan Sir and Guru Rahman have been vocal supporters of the protesting aspirants. Addressing reporters, Khan Sir emphasized the need for transparency and fairness in the examination process.
“With just a week left for the exams, it’s unfortunate that aspirants have to protest for their demands. The process can be good, but the person implementing it should also be competent. We will not leave until normalization is assured to be removed,” he said.
Khan Sir also highlighted the aspirants’ grievances about discrepancies in server operations, which led to the rejection of some application forms. He urged the government to extend the exam date and ensure fairness in the application process.
Aspirants’ Frustration With BPSC
Protesters have criticized the BPSC for a perceived lack of communication regarding the changes. Khan Sir, in his address, stated, “We are not protesting against anyone personally. We are here to ensure that the process is fair. We believe in the Constitution, and our protest is constitutional.”
He appealed to the police and government, saying, “Your children are also studying here. Understand our concerns and ensure transparency in the process.”
BPSC’s Clarification
In response to the protests, the BPSC issued a detailed statement clarifying its stance on normalization. According to the Commission, normalization is neither mentioned in the advertisement for the 70th Combined Preliminary Examination nor proposed later.
The BPSC affirmed that the exam would be conducted in a single shift on December 13, 2024, from 12 to 2 pm, rendering normalization irrelevant. This statement was aimed at addressing the aspirants’ concerns and defusing tensions.
Khan Sir’s Health Concerns
Amid the uproar, Khan Sir was reported to have fallen unwell and was admitted to Patna’s Prabhat Memorial Hospital, as confirmed by his associate Salman Haq. This development further heightened the emotions surrounding the protests, with many aspirants expressing solidarity with the educator.
Previous Incidents Add To The Tensions
The controversy is not the first instance of unrest surrounding the BPSC exams. Past issues with technical glitches, delays, and alleged irregularities have eroded trust in the Commission’s processes. Aspirants and educators have repeatedly called for reforms to ensure a fair and transparent examination system.
Growing Public Outrage
The lathi charge on protesting students has drawn widespread criticism, with many questioning the administration’s handling of the situation. The protests highlight the growing frustration among aspirants with systemic issues in competitive examinations, a sentiment echoed across various states in India.
The Road Ahead
As the December 13 examination date approaches, the BPSC faces mounting pressure to address the aspirants’ demands and restore public confidence. The involvement of prominent educators like Khan Sir has amplified the movement, putting a spotlight on the broader challenges in India’s examination system.
The protests have also sparked discussions about the need for systemic reforms to ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability in competitive examinations. The aspirants, backed by educators and the public, continue to push for their demands, making it clear that the fight for justice in the examination process is far from over.