Hyderabad, Oct.20 (NSS): Tension flared once again in Ashok Nagar on Sunday as Group-1 aspirants protested against the upcoming mains examinations, which are scheduled to begin on Monday.
The police stopped the students who had taken to the streets to voice their concerns. When the students tried to address the media, the police intervened, stating that no permission had been granted for a press conference, and subsequently arrested the protesting students.
A heated exchange ensued between the students and the police. The Group-1 aspirants, who have been demanding a postponement of the mains exam for the past several days, raised slogans condemning the police action against their peaceful protest.
The protesting candidates accused the government of suppressing the voices of the poor and marginalised sections. They expressed their frustration over the mental stress they were enduring and pointed out issues with the new GO 29, which, according to them, disqualifies reserved category candidates from competing in the open category.
The students clarified that downloading the hall ticket did not mean they were ready to take the exam, and urged Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to listen to their grievances.
“Instead of talking to the opposition, speak with us. We are financially and mentally drained. Please listen to our pain. We are not involved in politics, and this is our last chance. Is this how a democratic government works? Please reconsider,” pleaded several aspirants.
Call for protest at Gandhi Bhavan
The police arrested several Group-1 candidates near Ashok Nagar after preventing them from holding a press meet. The aspirants expressed anger, claiming that despite the Chief Minister’s orders to avoid lathi charges, the police were not listening. Meanwhile, the students have called for a protest at Gandhi Bhavan, prompting heavy police deployment in the area.
Meanwhile, the Telangana Public Service Commission (TSPSC) has completed all preparations for conducting the Group-1 Mains examinations, scheduled from October 2 to 27.
A total of 31,382 candidates who qualified in the prelims will take the exam, competing for 563 posts. TSPSC advised candidates to download their hall tickets from the official website (https://www.tspsc.gov.in/), and 90 percent of the candidates have already done so.
The Commission has also issued guidelines, instructing candidates to use the same hall ticket throughout the exams. However, 10 percent of candidates, who are actively participating in the protests, have not downloaded their hall tickets yet and are demanding a reschedule of the exams.
DGP assures tight security
DGP Jitender confirmed that tight security arrangements have been made for the Group-1 mains exam. Special teams have been deployed to monitor the exam centers, and strict action will be taken against anyone disturbing the peace, he warned.
