Railways Suspends NTPC, Level 1 Exams After Aspirants Protest Over Selection Process. Rahul Gandhi Criticises Move

The Railways has also formed a committee to examine the grievances of those who have passed the exams under different railway recruitment boards (RRBs) and those who have failed

Aspirants block railway tracks during their protest over alleged erroneous results of Railway Recruitment Boards Non-Technical Popular Categories (RRB NTPC) exam 2021, in Prayagraj, Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2022. (PTI Photo)

New Delhi: In view of violent protests by job aspirants over the selection process, Railways has suspended its NTPC and Level 1 tests, according to the spokesperson of the Railways Recruitment Board. The protest started following allegations of discrepancies in the results of the RRB NTPC for the CBT-1 exam which was released on January 15. The list had shortlisted the candidates for the CBT-2 exam.

The Railways has also formed a committee to examine the grievances of those who have passed the exams under different railway recruitment boards (RRBs) and those who have failed. A report will be submitted to the railway ministry after listening to both parties.

As a result of escalating violence, on Tuesday the Railways issued a general notice warning job aspirants of being barred if found involved in vandalism and unlawful activities while protesting from recruitment in the railways, according to a report by news agency PTI. This development comes a day after protesters gathered on railway tracks in several parts of Bihar.

"RRB NTPC Protest videos will now be examined by the Ministry with the help of specialised agencies. Upon proper examination, those found indulging in any of the mentioned activities will be penalised accordingly. They will be liable to both police action as well as lifetime debarment from a Railway job”, said the statement quoted in a Hindustan Times report.

Students who appeared for Railway Recruitment Board's Non-Technical Popular Categories exam 2021 staged a protest on Monday against "inaccurate exam results".

Meanwhile, videos in social media went viral in which police can be seen using lathi on the protesting students. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the lathi-charge and tweeted, "Double-engine government committed double tyranny for demanding their rightful employment. My India was not like this."