Patna: Candidates protesting the fourth phase of the Teacher Recruitment Examination (TRE-4) have taken to the streets once again, marching towards the residence of Bihar’s Chief Minister. The demonstration, led by student leader Dilip, began at Patna College and quickly drew the attention of local authorities.
Police have deployed in force, erecting barricades at key intersections including JP Golambar and Dakbangla Chowk. Officials say the measures are intended to prevent disruptions and ensure public safety.
The protesters accuse the state government of repeatedly delaying the recruitment process and reneging on its commitments. “Millions of eligible candidates are unemployed in the state, and recruiting for such a small number of posts will only exacerbate the problem,” they said.
The demonstrations follow a controversial statement by the state’s Education Minister, Sunil Kumar. While authorities had earlier indicated that more than 100,000 teaching posts would be filled in TRE-4, the minister announced on Teachers’ Day that only 26,000 positions would be opened. Candidates began protesting in response.
Sunil Kumar later clarified that more than 26,000 posts would be filled and promised a transparent recruitment process. He also announced that the TRE-4 examinations will take place between December 16 and 19, with results expected between January 20 and 26.
Tensions escalated earlier this month. On September 9, thousands of candidates marched towards the Chief Minister’s residence, prompting police to deploy batons and water cannons. Several protesters were injured, and a number were briefly detained before being released later that night. Candidates criticised the police response as disproportionate and inhumane.
The renewed protests in Patna underscore growing frustration among unemployed educators in Bihar, highlighting the political sensitivity surrounding teacher recruitment in the state.
