Patna, August 22: PhD degree holders and research scholars have been on a hunger strike for the past 18 days, protesting issues related to higher education, youth employment, and the academic future of researchers. On Saturday, they attempted to march towards Lok Bhavan.
Under the banner of the All PhD Holders and Research Scholars Association of Bihar, a large number of protesters carrying the national flag set out from Gardanibagh and aimed to reach Lok Bhavan via Veer Kunwar Singh Park. Anticipating the march, police were already stationed near R-Block and set up barricades to prevent the protesters from advancing.
In response, the demonstrators climbed the barricades and began chanting slogans in support of their demands. To maintain order, police had deployed extensive security measures, including water cannons. The protest caused significant traffic disruption around R-Block for several hours, although police reported that vehicle movement continued from the southern flank.
Patna’s SP Law and Order, Krishna Murari Prasad, stated that the protest was primarily led by guest lecturers, PhD holders, and research scholars in the final stages of their PhD programs. He mentioned that the movement is being led by Kumud Patel, who has been on a hunger strike for the past 17 days. The protesters were demanding to march from Gardanibagh Park to Lok Bhavan, but the area beyond R-Block is sensitive, housing important institutions like the High Court and the Income Tax Office. This is why the police halted them at R-Block.
The SP noted that a five-member delegation was requested to present their demands to the government. The protesters expressed their desire to submit a memorandum at the Chief Minister’s office, leading to arrangements for the delegation to be sent there through a magistrate. He added that the police have now appealed to the movement’s leaders to peacefully conclude the protest and disperse. So far, the protesters have maintained a peaceful demonstration and have not crossed the police barricades.
Meanwhile, the protesters remain steadfast in their demands, insisting that the government must take concrete steps to enhance employment opportunities in higher education, address the issues faced by guest lecturers, and secure the academic future of PhD holders and research scholars.
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