It has been reported that on 2 February, 09, candidates who had appeared for the 42nd BPSC examination staged a demonstration outside its office in Patna and alleged that although Urdu was listed as a subject most of the examinees received only 20-40% marks, although in their academic career they had secured 60-80 %. They also alleged that the marking in other languages was much more generous. They demanded an inquiry and action against those responsible. I am writing this to suggest that whatever be their grievances they cannot be accepted by an autonomous body. However, any individual candidate who feels aggrieved may seek through appropriate judicial action or action under the RTI to have a look at his paper and if necessary, seeks evaluation.

The demand that the BPSC should have a Muslim member is just and proper, particularly because Muslim forms 16% of the state population. That should be supported.

The Second Administrative Reforms Commission has made some suggestions on revising the syllabus for the civil service examinations. I feel that the inclusion of many languages is not necessary. Since, Urdu is the second official language of Bihar, it should serve as an optional medium of examination but the compulsory papers should include only one language paper which comprise both of Hindi with 75 marks and Urdu with 25 marks. There need not be any language paper in Hindu, Urdu, Bangla or Maithili or for that matter Arabic, Persian or Sanskrit. Personally, I feel that the inclusion of language is often used for upgrading favoured candidates. Such obvious windows of corruption should be closed.

My request to you is that you should suggest the inclusion of a Muslim member in the BPSC and the introduction of Urdu as an optional medium of examination as well as a common language paper for Hindi and Urdu.

With kind regards

Yours sincerely

(Syed Shahabuddin)