Why Are Teacher Candidates in Patna Demanding STET Before TRE 4?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Hundreds of candidates protested in Patna for STET to be held before TRE 4.
- This marks the second major protest within 15 days.
- Protesters claim that conducting TRE 4 without STET is unjust.
- Police intervened with a lathi-charge amid escalating tensions.
- Many candidates feel ignored by the government.
Patna, Aug 18 (NationPress) Hundreds of candidates took to the streets in the capital, demanding that the State Teacher Eligibility Test (STET) be held prior to the TRE 4 recruitment exam.
This marks the second significant protest within 15 days over this matter.
Individuals from various districts convened at Patna College, urging the government to conduct STET first to ensure transparency and provide unemployed teacher aspirants with a fair chance.
“Without STET, TRE 4 will be unjust to thousands of us,” the demonstrators proclaimed.
The rally proceeded towards the Dak Bungalow intersection, where police had already established barricades.
As candidates attempted to break through, a tense standoff occurred. The situation escalated swiftly, with police resorting to a lathi-charge to disperse the crowd.
Several protesters were detained, while others continued their march beyond the barricades. Amidst the chaos, candidates expressed their despair, stating, “We have no options left. Where should we turn if the government ignores us?”
This confrontation has created a highly charged atmosphere in Patna, with the administration scrambling to maintain order.
Despite ongoing protests, the education department has yet to deliver a clear response, further exacerbating discontent.
Aspirants argue that postponing STET not only undermines transparency in recruitment but also deprives thousands of unemployed youth of fair opportunities.
“We will not back down. If our demands are dismissed, we will escalate our movement and launch a larger protest,” warned the demonstrators.
For the state government, this issue has become a significant challenge. Quickly conducting STET and ensuring a transparent recruitment process has emerged as the only way to alleviate tensions, address the teacher shortage in schools, and provide long-awaited employment to deserving candidates.
Previously, on August 7, a massive protest erupted in Patna as hundreds of students demanded that the STET examination be conducted immediately in Bihar.