Patna: The capital city witnessed a wave of student protests on Friday as candidates of the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) staged a massive sit-in, demanding the scrapping of the normalization process in the examination system. The protest gained significant momentum when renowned educator and YouTuber Faizal Khan, popularly known as Khan Sir, joined the demonstration, only to be briefly detained by the authorities later in the day.
Students Demand ‘One Shift, One Paper’
The students’ core demand centers around conducting the BPSC exams in “one shift with one paper” to ensure fairness and eliminate the normalization process, which they argue disadvantages candidates due to variations in difficulty levels across shifts. With the exams just a week away, the urgency of their demands has escalated tensions.
Khan Sir, a prominent figure in the educational community, voiced his support for the students’ grievances, stating, “How unfortunate it is that we have to protest for such a demand on the land of Chanakya. Exams should be conducted in a fair manner, with no normalization, one shift, and one paper for all candidates.”
Detention Drama: Khan Sir Taken Into Custody
As the protest swelled, authorities attempted to disperse the crowd. Special Executive Magistrate MS Khan, present at the scene, urged the protesters to vacate the premises. However, the situation took a dramatic turn when Khan Sir was detained by the police and taken to Gardanibagh police station. His detention sparked an outcry among the protesting students, but he was later released the same night.
Speaking to the media after his release, Khan Sir reiterated his commitment to the students’ cause, emphasizing that he had no political affiliations and was solely focused on ensuring justice for the candidates. “We are not against anyone personally. Our demand is simple: one shift, one paper, and fair evaluation. We will not back down until we receive assurances,” he said.
‘A Constitutional Protest,’ Says Khan Sir
Addressing the police and administration, Khan Sir highlighted the peaceful nature of the protest, urging them to consider the future of their own children. “We believe in the Constitution and are protesting in a lawful manner. We are not on the streets causing chaos; we are here to demand justice responsibly.”
He also criticized the BPSC’s handling of the situation, calling for accountability and fairness in implementing the examination process. Additionally, he appealed for the acceptance of application forms that had been rejected due to server issues and demanded an extension of the exam date if necessary.
Students Refuse to Budge Without Assurances
The students have made it clear that they will not vacate the protest site until their demands are met. The protest has drawn widespread attention, with many questioning the transparency and fairness of the normalization process. “If the students’ time is being wasted, they deserve additional time. The authorities must act in good faith,” Khan Sir asserted.
The situation in Patna remains tense, with the students standing firm on their demands and authorities under pressure to resolve the matter before the upcoming examinations. As the protest continues, all eyes are on the BPSC and the Bihar government to address the growing unrest and ensure a fair solution.
