Delhi UPSC aspirants’ deaths: What are demands of students sitting on hunger strike?
In a striking display of resilience and desperation, a group of UPSC aspirants in Delhi has embarked on a hunger strike, highlighting systemic issues within the competitive examination process. The aspirants, many of whom have dedicated years of their lives to preparing for one of India’s most prestigious exams, are voicing deep-seated frustrations with what they perceive as an increasingly unequal and opaque system.
The primary demand of these aspirants revolves around the need for additional attempts in the Civil Services Examination (CSE). Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many candidates faced unprecedented disruptions, including reduced access to study materials, closure of coaching centers, and financial hardships. These aspirants argue that the exceptional circumstances of the pandemic warrant an exceptional response from the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), including granting an extra attempt or an age relaxation for all candidates affected during this period. They believe this measure would not only be fair but also just, considering the uneven impact of the pandemic on different socio-economic groups.
Another critical demand pertains to the transparency and consistency in the evaluation process. The aspirants are calling for greater clarity in the marking scheme, particularly in the subjective components of the examination such as the Mains and the interview stages. There is a growing sentiment among the candidates that the current system lacks transparency, leading to perceived biases and inconsistencies. They argue for a more standardized and transparent evaluation process, potentially including the disclosure of answer sheets and detailed feedback, which would allow candidates to better understand their performance and areas for improvement.
The aspirants also highlight concerns about the scaling and normalization process used in the preliminary examination. This process, which adjusts scores based on the difficulty level of different question sets, is viewed by many as opaque and unfair. The lack of a clear, publicly accessible explanation of how these adjustments are made has led to distrust and skepticism among candidates. They demand that the UPSC provide a more detailed explanation of the scaling process, including the criteria used and the statistical models applied, to ensure fairness and transparency.
Moreover, the protestors are advocating for a reduction in the vast syllabus and a more practical approach to the examination content. They argue that the current syllabus is overly broad and often detached from the practical requirements of civil service positions. The aspirants suggest that the syllabus should be streamlined to focus on core competencies and practical knowledge, reducing the burden on candidates and aligning the examination more closely with the skills needed in the civil services.
The hunger strike has also brought to light broader issues of mental health and well-being among UPSC aspirants. The intense competition, high expectations, and societal pressure associated with the examination can lead to severe stress, anxiety, and depression. Many aspirants feel isolated and unsupported, especially when dealing with repeated failures. The protestors are urging the UPSC and the government to recognize these challenges and provide mental health support and counseling services for aspirants. They believe that such measures would not only support the candidates’ well-being but also improve their performance and overall experience in the examination process.
The hunger strike has garnered significant attention from the media, politicians, and civil society groups. While there has been some political support for the aspirants’ demands, there has also been criticism, with some arguing that the UPSC cannot be expected to cater to every grievance. The aspirants, however, maintain that their demands are not just for their benefit but for the integrity and fairness of the entire examination system.
As the hunger strike continues, the aspirants’ health deteriorates, raising concerns among supporters and observers. The striking aspirants, however, remain steadfast in their resolve, willing to risk their well-being to bring about what they see as necessary changes. The situation underscores the urgent need for dialogue between the aspirants, the UPSC, and the government. It is clear that without meaningful engagement and a willingness to address the aspirants’ concerns, the situation could escalate further, potentially leading to more drastic measures.
In conclusion, the hunger strike by Delhi’s UPSC aspirants is a poignant reminder of the immense pressures and challenges faced by those pursuing careers in the civil services. Their demands for additional attempts, transparency, syllabus reform, and mental health support reflect broader systemic issues that need to be addressed. The response from the UPSC and the government in the coming days will be crucial in determining not only the outcome of this protest but also the future direction of civil services examination reform in India.