Students Protest in Buxar Over Alleged NEET Paper Leak and Baton Charge; Rally Held from Quila Maidan to Ambedkar Chowk, Demand Raised for Education Minister's Resignation
Buxar: Students and several student organizations staged a major protest in Buxar on Saturday against the alleged NEET paper leak and the police baton charge on protesters in Patna and Delhi. Demonstrators organized a large rally from the historic Quila Maidan to Ambedkar Chowk, demanding greater transparency in the examination system and calling for the resignation of the Union Education Minister. Heavy police deployment remained in place throughout the event as the district administration closely monitored the situation to maintain law and order.
From early Saturday morning, hundreds of students, youth, social activists, and members of various student organizations gathered at Quila Maidan. Protesters carried banners and placards demanding a fair investigation into the alleged paper leak, strict action against those responsible, and reforms to strengthen the integrity of the country's examination system. They raised slogans, arguing that maintaining the credibility of national-level competitive examinations is the responsibility of the government and the concerned authorities.
At the scheduled time, the rally began from Quila Maidan and marched through the city's main roads before reaching Ambedkar Chowk. Throughout the procession, demonstrators marched peacefully while reiterating their demand for an impartial investigation into the alleged irregularities. Traffic was temporarily affected along the route, but police and traffic officials arranged diversions to minimize inconvenience and maintain the flow of vehicles.
A public meeting was held at Ambedkar Chowk, where student leaders and social activists addressed the gathering. Former MLA Dr. Ajit Kushwaha, while addressing the rally, said that transparency and fairness in competitive examinations are fundamental to a democratic system. He stated that if students lose confidence in the examination process, it would have serious consequences for both the education system and the future of young people. He urged the government to conduct a fair investigation and take strict action against anyone found responsible.
Speakers at the meeting argued that the controversy surrounding the examination had created uncertainty and mental stress for millions of students. They emphasized that candidates who spend years preparing for competitive examinations deserve confidence that success will be determined solely by merit and hard work. They also called for technological improvements, stronger question paper security, and greater institutional accountability in the examination process.
Several student leaders also demanded the resignation of the Union Education Minister during the protest. They argued that serious allegations involving a national-level examination require accountability. Protesters maintained that their movement was not politically motivated but focused entirely on protecting students' rights and ensuring a transparent and fair examination system.
The district administration remained on high alert throughout the program. Heavy police deployment was made at Quila Maidan, along the rally route, and at Ambedkar Chowk to prevent any untoward incident. Senior police officials personally supervised the security arrangements and continuously monitored the situation. Authorities appealed to protesters to maintain peace and cooperate in preserving law and order.
Although traffic movement slowed in parts of the city because of the rally, coordinated efforts by the police and district administration prevented major disruptions. Traffic police diverted vehicles through alternate routes, reducing inconvenience to commuters.
Local traders and residents also shared their views on the protest. Some expressed support for the students' demands, emphasizing the need for a transparent investigation, while others said demonstrations should remain peaceful so that normal public life is not unnecessarily disrupted. Many parents also stressed the importance of ensuring fairness and transparency in the country's examination system.
Education experts believe that preserving the credibility of national-level examinations such as NEET is of utmost importance. They recommended strengthening question paper security, enhancing digital surveillance, improving cybersecurity measures, and increasing accountability at examination centers. According to experts, only a transparent investigation and timely action can restore students' confidence in the examination system.
Political observers noted that the NEET controversy has grown beyond an education-related issue and has become the subject of a broader political and social debate. They believe that the student protests taking place across different states reflect widespread concerns among young people regarding the fairness and integrity of competitive examinations.
For now, the protest in Buxar concluded peacefully, bringing relief to the district administration. However, student organizations warned that if their key demands are not addressed through concrete action, they may intensify and expand the movement in the coming days. Attention is now focused on the government's next steps and the progress of the investigation.
