Following sustained student protest UPPSC cancels split exam schedule; Akhilesh Yadav criticises BJP’s disregard towards students
Team Clarion
PRAYAGRAJ – The Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) has reversed its decision to conduct the Preliminary Examinations for RO and ARO positions on separate days following days of intense protests by student candidates.
Demonstrations had been ongoing outside the UPPSC headquarters in Prayagraj for four consecutive days, with students demanding a single-day exam schedule. Responding to the mounting pressure, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath intervened, urging UPPSC officials to reassess the decision, which was then officially revoked in a meeting held on Thursday evening.
According to sources, Chief Minister Adityanath directed UPPSC to engage with student representatives to address their concerns. In response, a committee was established to further examine the examination process, and it is expected to submit its findings soon. “The government’s quick action brings some relief, but students are still demanding clarity on exam timing and dates,” stated an official.
The protestors, however, remain steadfast, insisting on a ‘one-day, one-shift’ format for the RO and ARO exams, dismissing the committee as a mere delay tactic. “We want assurance that future exams will be conducted in a single shift,” said one of the protesting students. “We won’t back down until this is confirmed.”
Despite UPPSC’s revised decision, the students remain sceptical. “This partial move is not enough,” said another student, highlighting the lingering grievances over the examination’s ‘normalisation’ process and calling for complete transparency and fairness.
Political Support and Criticism of BJP
Samajwadi Party leader and for Chief Monister of UP , Akhilesh Yadav, has been vocal in his support for the students’ movement, taking to social media platform X to criticise the BJP’s handling of the unrest. “The BJP’s reluctance to listen to students shows its disregard for young people,” Yadav wrote. He further speculated that ignoring the voices of students and their families could result in significant electoral consequences, potentially costing the BJP around 25,000 votes per constituency.
Addressing a rally in Phulpur, Yadav mentioned that although he wished to meet the students, he refrained to avoid the movement being labelled political. “I stand in solidarity with the students, and I will continue to support their rightful demands,” he assured.
The student protests, while momentarily quelled by the government’s decision, have brought attention to issues within UP’s examination processes, with candidates calling for consistent and equitable practices. The situation underscores the growing frustration among young aspirants, whose voices may play a significant role in shaping the upcoming elections.
