Indore (Madhya Pradesh): A student fainted as his health deteriorated on Saturday during the ongoing protest of MPPSC candidates which continued for fourth day, on Saturday. As many as 2,000 candidates staged a massive protest in front Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission (MPPSC) office demanding reforms to ensure more transparency in the recruitment process.

They also brought bedding, water, and other necessities to sustain their demonstration, braving the cold with minimal sleep. The students alleged that their demands are falling on deaf ears of administration as they are not ready to talk. Dandvat Yatra was to be taken out on Saturday, which was cancelled and now it will be taken out on Sunday. Several students from various districts reached the protest site and the condition of Arvind Singh Bhadauria, who was on a hunger strike since Thursday night, deteriorated and he fainted.

Student leader Radhe Jat is also on a hunger strike. Students were seen carrying different placards and the protest got support from different political leaders including MLA Kamleshwar Dodiyar. Earlier, Youth Congress state president Mitendra Singh also reached the protest venue and supported the movement. The students alleged that the administration wanted to end this protest by force and conspiracy.

The student leader Ranjeet Kisanbanshi said, “Neither any official from the administration nor any representative of the commission was ready to talk throughout the day. We wanted someone to speak to us. Earlier, talks were held for three days, but they were inconclusive. The officials of the commission and the administration believe that our demands are legitimate, but when the matter reached the secretary, he refused to accept our demands. Administration is conspiring against them to end the protest by force.”

Unique Methods of Protest

To keep their spirits high and draw attention to their demands, the candidates organized recitations of Sundar Kand and sang devotional songs throughout the evening. "We will keep such activities going throughout the night to ensure our voices reach the government," said one of the protestors. Several students despite sitting in protest, were studying at the protest site.

The Demands

--87/13 formula must end and results should be released with 100% transparency

--Notification for 700 posts in State Services and 100 posts in Forest Services should be released for MPPSC 2025

--Copies of 2019 Mains Exam be displayed, and marksheets should be released

--State Services Mains Exam 2023 results must be declared --Mains exam copies must be evaluated similarly to CGPSC

--No incorrect questions should be set in prelims, like UPSC

--Negative marking should be started

--Interview marks should be reduced

--During interviews, candidates' names, categories, or surnames must not be revealed

--The protest also aims to encourage the MPPSC aspirants to join the protest to bring the solicited reforms