Bihar Librarian Aspirants Stage Protest in Patna Over Recruitment Delays
Candidates aspiring for librarian positions across Bihar took to the streets in Patna on Tuesday, voicing their frustration through a demonstration organized by the All Bihar Trained Librarians Association. The protest underscored growing discontent over prolonged delays in the recruitment process for approximately 10,000 vacant librarian posts in schools up to intermediate level, colleges, and universities throughout the state.
Symbolic Sit-In and Peaceful March
The protest march began at Patna University's central library and advanced towards Kargil Chowk, located near Gandhi Maidan. Demonstrators carried pillows and staged a symbolic sit-in by lying down on the road, a poignant gesture emphasizing their extended wait and the uncertainty surrounding their futures. They blew conch shells—a traditional method to draw attention—and chanted anti-government slogans, expressing deep-seated dissatisfaction with the current situation.
Police Presence and Government Response
To ensure law and order, police officers barricaded Kargil Chowk and deployed additional forces, with water cannons kept on standby in case the protest escalated. Despite the tense atmosphere, the demonstration remained peaceful, with protestors highlighting that while the state government has issued recruitment rules, no date has been announced for the Library Eligibility Test or any equivalent qualifying examination.
Voices from the Protest
Prashant Kumar, one of the protestors, stated, "This lack of a clear timeline has left thousands of trained and eligible candidates in limbo, despite vacancies persisting for years—in some cases, up to 17 years in certain contexts." Harshit Raj, the district president of the association, addressed the gathering, noting that the march was a peaceful effort to convey long-standing demands directly to the government. He warned that if an exam date is not announced promptly, the movement would intensify through further actions.
Impact on Educational Institutions
Another protestor highlighted the broader consequences, saying, "The impact of these unfilled positions is already evident in Bihar's educational institutions. Library operations are severely hampered, with many facilities relying solely on Class III and Class IV employees to manage day-to-day tasks. This leads to reduced services, limited access to resources, and significant challenges in supporting students' academic needs." The protestors emphasized that the delays not only affect job seekers but also compromise the quality of education and library services across the state.
