PATNA: The ongoing agitation by teacher recruitment aspirants in Bihar intensified on Tuesday when students marching towards the Chief Minister’s residence broke through security barricades at JP Golambar in Patna.
The protesters, who have been staging a sit-in at Gardanibagh since August 18, had announced a march to gherao the CM House over their demands concerning the proposed Teacher Recruitment Examination-4 (TRE-4).
The protest was organised by the student faction of the All Bihar Student Union (ABSU) led by Aman. Students are demanding changes to the proposed TRE-4 examination pattern, including opposition to the proposed Preliminary and Mains stages and negative marking. They are also seeking a 100% domicile policy for the recruitment process.
Students push past barricades
As the protesters moved towards the CM House, security forces were deployed at several points along the route. At JP Golambar, CRPF personnel were also brought in to prevent the students from proceeding further.
The situation turned tense when protesters pushed against the barricades erected at the intersection. Several students climbed onto the barricades, while others pulled them away and carried them aside, clearing a path towards Dakbungalow.
Security personnel attempted to stop the advancing protesters, resulting in a standoff between the two sides. Despite the security cordon, the students continued moving towards Dakbungalow as authorities tried to contain the march.
The escalation came amid an already tense atmosphere surrounding the TRE-4 recruitment examination.
BPSC’s proposed TRE-4 pattern faces opposition
The students’ primary objection is to the examination format proposed by the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC).
During a press conference in Patna on Monday, BPSC Examination Controller Rajesh Kumar Singh said the TRE-4 examination could be conducted in December or January. He said the recruitment examination would have two stages — Preliminary Test (PT) and Mains — and would include negative marking.
The announcement drew further criticism from protesting candidates, who have been demanding a single-stage examination without negative marking.
The protesters have also been pressing for a 100% domicile policy, arguing that Bihar’s teacher recruitment process should provide greater protection to candidates from the state.
‘Elephant and dogs’ remark triggers fresh controversy
The agitation intensified further after a controversial remark by BPSC Examination Controller Rajesh Kumar Singh during Monday’s press conference.
When questioned about the students protesting at Gardanibagh, Singh referred to the saying, “When the elephant walks through the market, a thousand dogs bark.”
The remark angered the protesting candidates, who accused the official of insulting students and demanded an immediate apology.
Students raised slogans against the BPSC and warned that if the official did not apologise, they would shift their next protest to the BPSC office.
Singh subsequently issued a video apology following the backlash.
BPSC controller suspended
The controversy also prompted action from the state government. Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary ordered the suspension of BPSC Examination Controller Rajesh Kumar Singh following the controversy over his remark.
The action came as the student agitation over TRE-4 continued to gather momentum in Patna.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary posted about a ‘Student Support Camp’ on X, saying that students’ concerns would be heard.
Despite the government’s outreach and the suspension of the BPSC official, students have continued their agitation, with Tuesday’s march marking a fresh escalation in the ongoing TRE-4 dispute.
The situation remained tense around Dakbungalow as security personnel attempted to prevent the protesters from advancing further towards the Chief Minister’s residence.
