JOBS, PROTESTS AND LATHICHARGES SHARE A LONG-STANDING RELATIONSHIP IN BIHAR

JOBS, PROTESTS AND LATHICHARGES SHARE A LONG-STANDING RELATIONSHIP IN BIHAR

17-SEP-ENG 33

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA-------------------------A look at the political and social situation in Bihar reveals a clear pattern—protests in the name of jobs and subsequent lathicharges. This is not a new phenomenon. Every few months, large gatherings of students and candidates are seen, from the streets of Patna to the district headquarters. Slogans are raised, demands are made, and when the situation spirals out of control, police action is inevitable. This is followed by a statement from the opposition, and the political game of cornering the government begins.

Why is there so much uproar in Bihar over jobs?

1. Life Set – A government job means a stable salary, pension, and a guaranteed future.

2. Dowry Set – The social reality here is that a government job commands a high price in the dowry market. In marriages, the position of the job determines the bid for the match.

3. Extra Income Set – Corruption is so deeply ingrained that people have come to believe that a government job means “salary plus bonus,” meaning additional income from bribes or commissions.

This is why young people are so passionate about jobs, and millions of applications are received for competitive exams.

In most cases, whenever there are delays in the recruitment process, complaints of exam rigging, or non-release of results, students and candidates take to the streets. They begin as peaceful protests, but gradually escalate into outrage.

Breaking barricades – Protesters often exceed the established boundaries and begin to violate security arrangements.

Road blockades and vandalism – Public property is damaged, forcing police to resort to forceful action.

Taking the law into their own hands – Slogans escalate into scuffles with police.

The police administration has limited options, and thus resorts to lathi-charges to control the crowd.

After every lathi-charge, the opposition becomes active. The government is accused of adopting an "anti-student" and "dictatorial" approach. Interestingly, when the same opposition comes to power, the situation remains largely the same. In other words, lathi-charges have become a permanent fixture in Bihar's politics.

Limited employment opportunities – The private sector is virtually non-existent in Bihar, making government jobs the preferred option.

Lack of transparency – The recruitment process is not considered transparent. Paper leaks, years-long court cases, and incomplete appointments.

The political equation – The issue of employment and recruitment is a major weapon in every election. Therefore, governments procrastinate rather than resolve it fully.

The cycle of protests and lathi-charges in the name of employment will continue in Bihar until alternative employment opportunities are created and transparency is brought to the recruitment process. Currently, this issue is caught between student anger and the government's helpless approach.

The real question is:

Will the mindset regarding government employment change in Bihar?

Will new employment opportunities be created?

Or will the echoes of lathi-charges continue to echo on the streets of Patna every few months?