Why Are STET Aspirants Protesting in Patna?
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Synopsis
In Patna, hundreds of students are rallying for the long-overdue Secondary Teacher Eligibility Test (STET) to be held before the TRE 4 recruitment. This protest highlights their frustration with the government’s inaction on critical educational issues. Will their voices lead to change in Bihar’s recruitment process?
Key Takeaways
- Protest for STET: Students demand immediate STET exams.
- Traffic Disruption: Large protests caused significant city traffic issues.
- Government Accountability: Students express frustration over delayed recruitment processes.
- Police Presence: Heavy police deployment to manage the situation.
- Support from Educators: Many coaching instructors joined the protests.
Patna, Aug 7 (NationPress) A vast number of students took to the streets of Patna on Thursday, advocating for the swift administration of the Secondary Teacher Eligibility Test (STET) prior to the upcoming TRE 4 recruitment.
The protest witnessed an impressive turnout, with students proceeding from various coaching centers towards Dak Bungalow Crossing, causing considerable traffic chaos in the city’s core.
The key demand from the students is that the long-awaited STET exam, which has been delayed for the past two years, should be conducted before the TRE 4 recruitment process to ensure that aspiring candidates are included in the selection.
In anticipation of potential unrest, Patna police fortified sensitive areas, including JP Golambar and Dak Bungalow Crossing, and had water cannons ready for use.
Tensions escalated when a faction of students reportedly tried to tear a police officer's uniform, resulting in a minor lathi charge to disperse the crowd.
Though the police have not provided an official tally of injuries, protesting students reported that several individuals were hurt during the baton charge.
The local administration has refrained from commenting on the precise number of casualties.
Protesters voiced their profound dissatisfaction with the Bihar government’s inability to conduct timely recruitment exams.
Nishant Raj, one of the student leaders, remarked: "The government assured us that the STET would be held every six months, yet two years have elapsed without any exam. We are not seeking jobs — we merely want the chance to compete on merit. Our only request is for the STET to be organized before TRE 4."
He further emphasized that the librarian recruitment examination has not been carried out for the last 15 years, heightening the sense of neglect among candidates.
The movement has garnered support from numerous coaching instructors and private educators, who joined students in their demonstrations.
They expressed concerns regarding the far-reaching impact of these delays on the educational and employment landscape in Bihar.
This protest emerges following a significant student movement that previously led to the introduction of 84.5 percent domicile-based reservation in Bihar’s teacher recruitment.
Many believe that the government’s failure to adhere to exam schedules is undermining the trust established during that movement.
Students have cautioned that if the Nitish Kumar-led government does not promptly address their concerns, they will escalate their protests in the near future.
Point of View
It’s crucial to recognize that the students' demands reflect a broader concern regarding the stability and integrity of educational recruitment processes in Bihar. The grievances expressed during this protest are not merely about one exam but symbolize a growing frustration with systemic delays that impact countless lives. It’s imperative that the government addresses these issues promptly to restore faith in its commitment to education.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the reason behind the STET protest in Patna?
The protest is aimed at demanding the immediate conduct of the Secondary Teacher Eligibility Test (STET) before the upcoming TRE 4 recruitment, which has been delayed for two years.
How many students participated in the protest?
Hundreds of students participated in the protest, marching from various coaching centers towards significant city landmarks.
What actions were taken by the police during the protest?
The police deployed heavy security and responded with a mild lathi charge when tensions escalated, although they have not confirmed the number of injuries.
What do the students want from the Bihar government?
The students are demanding the timely conduct of the STET exam, which they feel is essential for their opportunity to compete for teaching positions.
What impact could these protests have on Bihar's education system?
These protests bring attention to the delays in recruitment exams and highlight the broader issues affecting Bihar's education and employment landscape.
