Mrunal Patel Unacademy's video: BPSC s illogical apple-orange retest: UPSC shd takeover Bihar state services exam under Article 315

Article 315 of the Indian Constitution grants the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) the authority to assist State Public Service Commissions upon request from a state's Governor, subject to Presidential approval. This constitutional provision aims to uphold meritocracy and fairness in the recruitment processes of state-level commissions. The recurring controversies and mismanagement within the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) highlight an urgent need for such intervention to protect the careers and aspirations of Bihar’s talented youth. # # # # The BPSC Controversy: Allegations of Paper Leaks and Mismanagement The 70th Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) conducted by the BPSC on December 13, 2024, became embroiled in allegations of question paper leaks. Despite the BPSC's denial of any irregularities, widespread protests ensued, culminating in the cancellation and rescheduling of the exam for 12,000 candidates from the affected Bapu Pariksha Parisar center. On January 4, 2025, a retest was held at 22 centers in Patna for eligible candidates. Out of the initially scheduled 12,000 candidates, only 8,200 downloaded their admit cards, and 5,943 appeared for the retest. The administration took stringent measures, including prohibiting unauthorized gatherings near the centers, to ensure a smooth and secure examination process. The allegations and subsequent protests underscore systemic failures in examination processes, raising questions about transparency, accountability, and fairness. Aspirants have demanded a complete re-examination for all 500,000 candidates who appeared across 912 centers, arguing that localized retests fail to ensure a level playing field. # # # # Political Fallout and Public Backlash The BPSC controversy has ignited a political storm, drawing criticism from opposition parties and civil society. Prominent figures like Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor and Independent MP Pappu Yadav have led protests demanding justice for affected candidates. Yadav orchestrated road and rail blockades, while Kishor launched a hunger strike on January 2, 2025, at Patna's Gandhi Maidan. Kishor outlined five demands: 1. **High-Level Investigation and Re-Examination**: A thorough investigation into the irregularities of the 70th BPSC exam and a re-examination for all candidates. 2. **Unemployment Allowance**: Provision of financial support for unemployed youth aged 18–35, as promised under the 2015 "7 Nischay" scheme. 3. **White Paper on Examination Integrity**: A comprehensive report on competitive exam irregularities over the past decade and punitive action against culprits. 4. **Accountability for Police Actions**: Action against officers responsible for the lathi charge on protesting students in Patna on December 29, 2024. 5. **Domicile-Based Reservation**: Implementation of a policy ensuring that two-thirds of government jobs are reserved for Bihar's youth. Kishor's protest gained significant traction, with support from student unions and political leaders. However, on January 5, 2025, he was arrested for sitting in a prohibited area, sparking further outrage. Despite the ongoing unrest, the BPSC proceeded with the retest, demonstrating an apparent disconnect between administrative actions and public sentiment. # # # # Broader Implications: The Need for Systemic Reform The recurring controversies in BPSC examinations reflect deeper systemic issues within Bihar's governance and public service recruitment. Allegations of corruption, inefficiency, and political interference have eroded public trust in the institution. Aspirants and activists argue that without comprehensive reforms, such incidents will continue to undermine the credibility of competitive examinations, which serve as gateways to public service careers. # # # # Recommendations for Restoring Trust 1. **Involvement of UPSC**: Leveraging Article 315 to involve UPSC in BPSC’s operations can ensure adherence to higher standards of integrity and efficiency. 2. **Transparent Examination Processes**: Adoption of advanced technologies, such as blockchain, for question paper generation and distribution to eliminate leaks. 3. **Independent Oversight**: Establishing an independent regulatory body to oversee state-level competitive examinations. 4. **Grievance Redressal Mechanisms**: Creating robust mechanisms to address candidates' concerns swiftly and transparently. 5. **Merit-Based Recruitment**: Strengthening policies to ensure that recruitment processes are merit-based and free from political or administrative bias.