Campus Times | Lucknow

Amid a larger gathering at Eco Garden on Friday, a parallel protest led by students and government job aspirants highlighted growing concerns over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations and recruitment processes across Uttar Pradesh.

The demonstration brought together candidates preparing for teaching, medical, revenue, administrative, and other government recruitment examinations. Protesters demanded greater transparency in recruitment procedures, the release of scorecards for the Uttar Pradesh Police Sub-Inspector examination, and the cancellation of the recently conducted Lekhpal recruitment examination, which they alleged was affected by irregularities.

The protest followed a similar demonstration held in Prayagraj on May 29, where students had warned of intensifying their movement in Lucknow if their concerns were not addressed.

Demand for greater transparency

Aspirants said the lack of transparency in examinations and recruitment processes has created uncertainty among lakhs of candidates across the state.

An aspirant from Prayagraj said repeated examinations and recruitment delays place a heavy burden on candidates from economically weaker backgrounds.

“I come from a farming family. We cannot afford to appear in examination after examination. There should be transparency so candidates know where they stand,” he said.

Several protesters demanded the release of scorecards for the Uttar Pradesh Police Sub-Inspector examination conducted on March 14 and 15. Although the results were declared on May 7, candidates are still seeking greater clarity regarding evaluation and selection procedures.

Students distance themselves from political affiliations

Among those present was Ashutosh Kumar, a student of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU) and a resident of Sultanpur. He said he joined the protest solely to support issues affecting students and job aspirants.

“We are here because examination irregularities are creating serious challenges for students. I have no association with any political organisation. I have come only to support the concerns of students,” he said.

Ankit Gupta, Lucknow district coordinator of the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), said the organisation stands with students affected by paper leaks, examination cancellations, and alleged recruitment irregularities.

“The government must take responsibility for recurring issues in examinations and recruitment. We are here to support students and their demands,” he said.

Parents join protest

The demonstration also witnessed participation from parents, reflecting broader public concern over education and employment-related issues.

A father who attended the protest with his children said he felt it was important to support students seeking fair opportunities.

“We have come here for our youth. We have been following discussions around these issues and felt it was our responsibility to stand with students demanding fairness and accountability,” he said.

Youth express frustration over examination system

A Class X student who participated in the protest said repeated reports of examination leaks and irregularities are discouraging young people.

“I have come here so that when it is my turn to appear for competitive examinations, they are conducted fairly. It is disappointing for students when exams are not held properly,” she said.

Jitendra, an aspirant from Jaunpur, also called for greater transparency in recruitment examinations.

“We want examinations and results to be conducted and declared transparently. Candidates should have access to information that helps them assess their performance,” he said.

Protest held alongside separate gathering

The student-led demonstration took place alongside a separate protest organised by Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke. While some participants acknowledged support for issues raised through the platform, many students and activists clarified that their participation was focused solely on examination reforms, recruitment transparency, and accountability.