The frustration among candidates, who underwent counseling nearly a year and a half ago in July and August 2022, has reached its peak as they continue to be in limbo.
Mohammad Alamullah / Clarion India
NEW DELHI – The inordinate delay in releasing the list of assistant Urdu translators has stirred up a controversy in Bihar. Allegations of bias and prejudice against Urdu speakers have been hurled at the government, igniting a fiery debate over the handling of linguistic minorities in the state.
The 18-month delay has been attributed to what some claim as a hostility towards Urdu and a deep-seated prejudice against Urdu speakers, reports reaching here said on Tuesday. The frustration among candidates, who underwent counseling nearly a year and a half ago in July and August 2022, has reached its peak as they continue to be in limbo.
The Bihar Staff Selection Commission (BSSC) added fuel to the fire by releasing a third list of 20 candidates in January, further prolonging the process and raising questions about the true intentions behind the delays. Critics argue that if the government was genuinely concerned about filling vacant positions, why were about fifty seats left unoccupied?
Karwane Tahaffuze Urdu Mohammad Naushad minced no words in his condemnation, highlighting the injustice faced by Urdu speakers and warning of public backlash if the issue isn’t resolved urgently. He emphasised that the delay in releasing the final list and completing the appointment process within 15 days is unacceptable, especially considering the urgency of teacher rehabilitation efforts.
Naushad’s sentiments were echoed by the president of Karwan Tahaffuz Urdu, who called out political leaders for their empty promises and misleading statements regarding the impending release of the list. The frustration peaked as the third counseling session concluded on February 13, with no signs of progress in sight.
Critics have pointed fingers at Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, once hailed as a sympathiser of Urdu, accusing his government of failing to address the needs of linguistic minorities. Despite claims of support for Urdu, the suspension of the Bihar Urdu Academy for six years and the failure to form a Urdu Advisory Committee for a decade have painted a different picture.
The delay in resolving the Urdu translator issue has only served to reinforce the perception of anti-Urdu sentiment within the government ranks. As pressure mounts on the chief minister to take swift action, the spotlight remains firmly fixed on the government’s commitment to linguistic diversity and minority rights in Bihar.
In light of these developments, the demand for immediate action has grown louder, with stakeholders urging the government to expedite the release of the final list and restore faith in the integrity of the appointment process. The ball is now in the court of Bihar’s leadership to demonstrate their commitment to inclusivity and fair treatment for all citizens, regardless of language or ethnicity.
