The protest by candidates demanding that the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) exams be conducted in a single shift has reached its third day. Demonstrators gathered at Gate No-2 of the UPPSC office in Prayagraj, where they voiced their grievances. UP Police and Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel were deployed to maintain order at the protest site.

The protesting candidates are asking that the upcoming PCS and RO/ARO exams be scheduled in a single shift, a method they believe would make the exam process fairer and more manageable. Previously, exams were held in a single shift, which candidates argue was more efficient.

Police action and FIR against protestors

In response to vandalism during the protest, Uttar Pradesh Police registered an FIR against 12 individuals. Officials reported that some protestors broke barriers and damaged property, including coaching boards, on Tuesday night. “An FIR has been filed against 12 individuals. Some people have also been taken into police custody,” stated Prayagraj Deputy Commissioner of Police Abhishek Bharti.

UPPSC officials engage with protestors

UPPSC officials visited the protest site to communicate the Commission’s policies and encouraged protestors to suggest viable alternatives. Despite this, the students remain resolute in their demands, having organised more peers and supplies to continue their demonstration.

The protest has sparked a political row. Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Akhilesh Yadav criticized the state government, framing the issue as “yogi vs. competitor students.” He questioned if the government would retaliate by targeting student accommodations with bulldozers and claimed that the administration’s focus on communal politics had sidelined job-related issues.

Yadav remarked, “The rise of the students will be the fall of the BJP,” further criticizing the government for neglecting employment and for the delay in filling job vacancies, which he said had left youth feeling frustrated.

UP Deputy CM calls for resolution

Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Maurya called for a swift and amicable resolution to the students’ grievances. He emphasised the BJP government’s commitment to fair recruitment since 2017, noting that they have issued appointment letters to about 7 lakh youth. “All competent officials should listen to the demands of the students sensitively and find a quick solution,” he stated, underscoring the importance of allowing students to focus on their studies rather than protests.

(With inputs from ANI)