Ongoing Protests in Hyderabad: Students and Job Aspirants Demand Postponement of DSC Exams
Introduction
In Hyderabad, the protests demanding the postponement of the District Selection Committee (DSC) exams continue to gain momentum. Students and job aspirants have taken to the streets, urging the Telangana government to delay the exams and address other pressing issues. This article delves into the details of the ongoing protests, the demands of the participants, and the government’s response.
Protests Intensify in Hyderabad
Calls for Postponement and Increased Posts
On Monday, job aspirants and students were detained by police as they attempted to march to the Secretariat, demanding the postponement of the DSC exams and a revised timetable for Group II and Group III exams. The protesters also called for an increase in the number of Group II posts. Various groups had organized a demonstration, planning to lay siege to the Secretariat to emphasize their demands.
Security Measures and Key Arrests
The police detained several leaders, including Osmania University Student Joint Action Committee leader Rajarao Yadav. Security around the Secretariat was significantly increased to prevent the protests from escalating, with a substantial police presence deployed on surrounding roads. Additional security measures were implemented in Ashok Nagar and Dilsukhnagar, areas known for their coaching institutes and recent protests.
Protest Near Dilsukh Nagar Metro Station
On Sunday night, job aspirants staged a demonstration near Dilsukh Nagar Metro Station, demanding the postponement of the DSC exams. They called for a meeting with ministers, as previously announced by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. Despite the Chief Minister’s appeal for students to avoid street protests and instead meet with ministers to present their demands, the protests persisted.
Government’s Response and Exam Schedule
Scheduled Exam Dates and Aspirants’ Concerns
The DSC exams, intended for the recruitment of teachers in government schools, are scheduled from July 18 to August 5. The Group II exam is set for August 7 and 8. Aspirants argue that the timeframe between these exams is insufficient for adequate preparation, prompting their call for a postponement.
Deputy Chief Minister’s Appeal
Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka appealed to the job aspirants and students to end their protests and allow the DSC exams to proceed as planned for the recruitment of 11,000 teachers. He assured that the government would conduct another DSC exam soon to fill an additional 5,000 to 6,000 posts, addressing some of the protesters’ concerns.
AISF Involvement and Additional Demands
March to the Secretariat and Tense Standoffs
Leaders and workers from the All India Students Federation (AISF) were also arrested while marching towards the Secretariat to press for their demands. They called for the release of arrears of fee reimbursements and scholarships, organizing a ‘Chalo Secretariat’ protest. The march began at the GHMC head office, with participants holding placards and raising slogans. Police halted the march at BRK Bhavan, leading to a tense standoff and the eventual physical removal of the protesters.
AISF’s Stand and Future Actions
AISF leaders demanded that Chief Minister Revanth Reddy address the students’ concerns, warning that if their demands were not met, they would lay siege to the Assembly during the upcoming Budget Session. This highlights the growing frustration among students and job aspirants over the current examination schedule and other unresolved issues.
Conclusion
The protests in Hyderabad by students and job aspirants demanding the postponement of the DSC exams underscore a significant issue in the state’s examination and recruitment process. Despite increased security measures and government appeals, the protests continue, reflecting the urgency and determination of the participants. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the government will address these demands and whether a resolution will be reached that satisfies all parties involved.