NEW DELHI: UPSC aspirants in Old Rajendra Nagar continue with their protest, demanding written assurances for better study and living conditions.
UPSC aspirants in Old Rajendra Nagar have been protesting for two weeks, seeking firm assurances for the restoration of their livelihood. Despite verbal assurances from authorities about revitalising the area, the protesters remain resolute in their demands, insisting on written commitments before ending their protest.
While the intensity of the protests by UPSC aspirants in Old Rajendra Nagar has subsided, their determination to improve conditions for future aspirants remains strong. They aim to ensure that those who follow in their footsteps have access to better study environments and living conditions within the area.
To continue the protest, aspirants from ORN have created and distributed ID cards to the group of students participating in the protest. These cards have been issued to 30 students. If two students are absent, others will take their place, ensuring that 30 students are always present. The ID cards also serve to restrict entry to activists from other student unions who might attempt to hijack the protest or politicise it. This system ensures the protest remains focused and free from external influence.
Many aspirants are encountering significant challenges as their coaching institute have been shut down by authorities, placing them in a difficult situation. These students, who had invested considerable time, money and trust in these institutions, have not received any refunds or financial support to offset the sudden closures. This has heightened their stress and uncertainty, forcing them to find new ways to continue their education without the resources they had previously depended on.
In contrast, some coaching centres have risen to the occasion, demonstrating a commendable sense of responsibility and compassion. Understanding the impact of the closures on students’ futures, these institutions have taken proactive steps to support the affected aspirants. They have offered free classes, ensuring that students can continue their studies uninterrupted despite the unforeseen shutdowns. This generous gesture has provided much-needed relief, enabling students to stay on track with their preparation and remain focused on achieving their academic goals.
Utsav Priyadarshi, a UPSC aspirant, said that despite the reduced intensity of the protest, they will continue until their demands are met, demonstrating the determination of those involved. He added that the protesters are demanding a thorough investigation and will not stop until it reaches a conclusion which they deem satisfactory and just. This underscores the group’s commitment to seeking accountability and transparency in the issue they are protesting, refusing to accept anything less than a fair outcome.
Arun, another aspirant, said that the protest is driven by concerns over local infrastructure, particularly the condition of electricity wires in areas like Old Rajendra Nagar, Patel Nagar, and Mukherjee Nagar. The protesters are urging the government or relevant authorities to address these issues, as the faulty wires likely pose safety risks or cause frequent power outages, disrupting the daily lives of residents in these neighbourhoods. He also mentioned that the protesters are advocating for economic reforms, specifically the imposition of a ceiling cap on rent and fees. This indicates their concern about the rising cost of living, particularly in housing and educational expenses, which are becoming increasingly unaffordable for many. By pushing for a cap, they aim to make these costs more manageable and prevent exploitation by landlords and institutions.
Rahul, a resident of Old Rajendra Nagar from Haryana, said that the protest will continue until the government agrees to establish a government library in ORN. He emphasised that this demand underscores the importance of education and the need for a public space where individuals can study, access books, and engage in intellectual growth. He added, “This protest is a comprehensive movement addressing issues of justice, infrastructure, economic fairness, and education, and we are fully committed to this cause, determined to persist until all our demands are met.”