Several students’ organisations, including the All India Students Association (AISA), have called for the state-wide bandh on Friday to protest against the alleged irregularities in the Railway Recruitment Board’s Non-Technical Popular Categories (RRB-NTPC) exam 2021.
The RJD-led Mahagathbandhan, as well as NDA allies VIP and HAM have supported the students’ call. CPI and CPI(M) have also announced to give their support.
The state police headquarters, in a circular on Thursday, directed all the 38 districts to tighten security measures at vital installations and public places during the bandh.
According to police, special contingents are being deployed especially in the north Bihar and Magadh division to maintain law and order. Police have also warned of action against those found spreading rumours to incite violence.
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The protests started in the state after several students claimed that there were discrepancies in the RRB recruitment process. The government’s decision to conduct two computer-based tests (CBT) for the RRB Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC) had irked thousands of students across the state who wanted a single test.
The results for CBT-I for Group-D jobs was released on January 14, shortlisting candidates for CBT-II. The protesters had claimed that this criterion for recruitment was clarified in the initial RRB notice inviting applicants.
On Wednesday, the police registered a complaint against six teachers of coaching institutes in Patna and hundreds of students across Bihar for their violent protests over the railway recruitment exam.
(With inputs from agencies)
