UPPSC protest turns tense: Protesters break barricades, Police cite infiltration

Protesting students in Prayagraj clashed with police, breaking barricades as tensions rose over UPPSC's exam schedule. Authorities claimed criminal elements have joined the protest, intensifying the situation. But why are students protesting, and what are their demands? What led the students to take to the streets? Here's a detailed look at the situation.

In Short

• UPPSC protest turns violent as students clash with police
• Authorities claim criminal elements infiltrated protest
• Students break barricades, storm UPPSC office in Prayagraj

The ongoing protest against the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission's (UPPSC) decision to conduct the PCS Pre and RO-ARO examinations has intensified, entering its fourth day with increasing tension. What began as a peaceful demonstration by UPPSC aspirants escalated as students clashed with police after breaking through barricades set up to control the gathering.

The protestors marched towards the UPPSC headquarters, attempting to present a formal notice regarding their grievances. Despite multiple barricades installed by police to prevent entry, the students pushed forward, breaching the barriers and reaching the commission’s office.

Officials had set up roadblocks along the route to the UPPSC office to manage the crowd, but this only heightened the frustration among the protestors. Protesters allege that police used force to disperse the crowd, with some claiming they were physically assaulted by officers, while others report being threatened.

The situation grew particularly tense after police reportedly tried to forcibly remove certain individuals, resulting in scuffles between students and plain-clothed officers.

According to students, several protesters were forcefully detained, with 11 students taken into custody by police on Wednesday evening.

WHAT IS THE ACTUAL MATTER?

Students are expressing their frustration over the UPPSC's failure to conduct exams on time for the past two years.

Earlier this year, in January 2024, the commission issued a notification for the Uttar Pradesh Civil Services exam, which was originally scheduled for March but was postponed to October.

Additionally, the Review Officer and Assistant Review Officer exams, planned for February, were cancelled due to a paper leak. These exams were later rescheduled for October, only to be announced for December, further angering the candidates.

In a new development, students were informed that the UPPSC RO/ARO exams will now be conducted in two shifts, a decision that has sparked widespread discontent.

The repeated delays and shifting of dates have fuelled growing resentment among the students, who are demanding a resolution to these issues and a more predictable exam schedule.

DEMAND FOR EXAM IN ONE SHIFT

The Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission has decided to conduct the PCS Prelims 2024 and RO/ARO Prelims 2023 examinations over two days, in two shifts.

This decision has faced strong opposition from candidates. Competitive students are demanding that the UPPCS 2024 and RO/ARO 2023 preliminary exams be held on the same day and in the same shift, as was done previously.

Since the protest over the UPPSC PCS Pre and RO-ARO exam began on Monday, many students have been staging overnight sit-ins outside the commission’s office, refusing to leave until their demands are addressed.

They have voiced frustrations over the alleged lack of communication from UPPSC officials and insist they are simply trying to present their concerns formally.

The situation remains volatile, with authorities urging calm while students continue to demand that their voices be heard.

In response to the protest, the deputy chef minister of Uttar Pradesh has directed officials not to take harsh measures and ensure that the students' voices are heard during the protest.

Additionally, the deputy chief minister has instructed that a common solution be found, allowing students to focus on their studies rather than being occupied with protesting over the exam schedule.

Thousands of students have taken to the streets in protest against the UPPSC, demanding changes to the examination schedule.

The protests, which began on November 11, are a response to the repeated delays and changes in the exam dates.