Protest Erupts Over STET Scheduling in Patna

A chaotic protest in Patna demanded the scheduling of the Secondary Teachers Eligibility Test (STET) before the Teachers Recruitment Exam (TRE-5). Demonstrators clashed with police, leading to a baton charge. Protesters argue that the rescheduling affects thousands of eligible aspirants awaiting the STET exam.

Chaos unfolded at the Dak Bungalow crossing in Patna on Thursday as police used lathi-charge to quell a protest by aspirants demanding the Secondary Teachers Eligibility Test (STET) be scheduled before the Teachers Recruitment Exam (TRE-5).

Demonstrators congregated at the location, causing traffic disruptions and attempting to breach barricades. Despite multiple warnings from security personnel, they remained defiant, leading to the police deploying mild force to disperse the crowd, according to Patna (Central) SP Diksha.

Protesters alleged injuries from the police's actions, a claim officials rebuffed. The group asserted their dissatisfaction with the lack of STET examinations which, per the examination calendar, were to occur biannually, a schedule unmet thus far, jeopardizing opportunities for thousands of qualified candidates.

(With inputs from agencies.)