‘Hathi chale bazaar…’: BPSC controller’s remark amid Bihar teachers’ protests sparks row

The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) recently declined the main requests of teachers aspiring for jobs, emphasizing that negative marking would remain in place for their objective examinations. All future exams would also be conducted in at least two stages, a clarification that was quickly overshadowed by remarks made by the examination controller, Rajesh Kumar Singh.

While addressing the protests, Singh quoted the Hindi proverb "Hathi chale bazaar, kutta bhaunke hazar," which is often used to encourage focus despite distractions. However, critics took offense, interpreting Singh's remark as a derogatory comparison of students to "dogs." The RJD National Working President, Tejashwi Yadav, called Singh's language "shameful" and vowed not to tolerate such conduct from officials.

Singh later clarified that the proverb had been taken out of context and expressed regret if anyone was offended. The controversy unfolded as students in Patna's Gardanibagh have been protesting since August 18, demanding changes to the proposed examination pattern for the fourth Teacher Recruitment Examination (TRE-4). Meanwhile, students advocating for PhD scholars have agreed to end their 21-day hunger strike following a meeting with the Bihar Governor.

The Governor vowed to consider their key demands, including the 2026 Assistant Professor Recruitment Regulations, which will be on hold until necessary amendments are made. Singh also addressed the unique nature of BPSC's exam system, stating that it was not exclusive to Bihar and cited examples from other states. He added that negative marking was necessary to prevent candidates from guessing answers and benefitting from inadequate preparation.

The Commission also dismissed allegations of discrimination against Hindi-medium candidates and denied claims that marks above 60% could not be awarded. For TRE-4, BPSC announced an application period from September 1 to September 30, with the examination likely to be held in December or January, depending on the applications received.