Students Protest In Patna, Demand Domicile Policy In Bihar Government Jobs

A large number of students protested in Patna on Wednesday, demanding a domicile policy in recruitment in Bihar's state government. The protest march started with a procession from Patna College and was organised by the Bihar Student Union. Demonstrators tried to march towards the Chief Minister's residence, but were halted by police at the Dak Bungalow crossing. According to media reports, as some of the students attempted to push through barricades, the police used minor force to disperse them. Six students, two of whom were women, were detained during the incident.

The students alleged that a majority of government job posts in Bihar were being allocated to outsiders, reducing opportunities for local youth. Waving banners inscribed with "Bihar wants domicile," the protesters demanded that 90% of all state government job posts including BPSC TRE-4, constables, inspectors, and BSSC posts, be reserved for Bihar natives. They suggested that the remaining 10% of seats be open for merit-based selection, allowing participation from candidates nationwide.

Moreover, the students insisted on a 100% domicile policy only for the recruitment of primary teachers, highlighting the demand for early education to be provided in the native language. They also requested the government to announce the BPSC TRE-4 posts before the state assembly election, with a domicile restriction. They also demanded reserving the 35% quota for women in unreserved categories only for Bihar women. Also, they demanded asking more questions specific to Bihar in all competitive examinations held in the state, according to the media reports.

Later, a delegation led by student leader Dileep Kumar met with Chief Secretary Amrit Lal Meena. Following the meeting, Dileep told reporters that the discussion was positive and that the chief secretary had assured the delegation that their demands would be forwarded to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, as per the Times of India report.