Rajnath avoids questions over UPSC protests even as agitation picks up steam

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh today avoided commenting on the UPSC aspirants protest against CSAT, even as the latter closed in on parliament to make their voices heard.

The protesters have not only been involved in a vehement agitation, but have also now forcefully made shops shut down in Mukherjee Nagar.

An agitating woman told ANI, "We have no time to prepare, none of our demands have been met, and we don't trust the government, the UPSC is acting stubborn. How has the UPSC issued admit cards? If the government wanted to act, it would not have let the UPSC issue admit cards."

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) candidates are demanding the scrapping of the newly announced scheme of CSAT in the examination pattern, which is obstructing the Hindi medium students from getting selected.

Students have been protesting against the exam, saying there is a need to change the second paper, as it makes it difficult for people coming from rural areas of Hindi-speaking states to crack the exam.

The students argue that the questions asked in language comprehension skills are asked in English and no Hindi translations are provided. They want this to be changed

BJP leader Rajiv Pratap Rudy, however, told ANI, "The government is aware of facts and relief that is to be granted, students need to come along and try to find a solution."

Bahujan Samaj Party supremo, Mayawati, also took the side of the agitating students, she said, "In the case of UPSC issue, some students have agitated nationwide. This was raised in both the houses of parliament. The central government had assured that the issue of the students would be resolved soon. But, unfortunately till now, they (central government) have not done anything to resolve it and instead taking decisions against their (students) demands, which our party doesn't support."

The Rajya Sabha also witnessed uproar over the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) language row on Friday.

The Upper House was initially adjourned till 12 noon, as members belonging to Congress, JD (U) and Samajwadi Party demanded a statement by the Prime Minister over yesterday's lathi charge on UPSC aspirants in Delhi.