The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) decided to postpone the Odisha Civil Services (Main) Exam-2019 general studies paper to January 2, 2021. The decision was taken considering the probable disruption of transport due to the Bharat Bandh which would have posed a huge problem to the candidates.
In a notification issued by the Commission, this change was notified citing the difficulties that candidates could face in reaching the examination centres. The timing and exam venue will remain the same.
The decision was taken after the candidates raised genuine concerns over the effect of the bandh on both public and private transport.
Earlier, the exam was scheduled to be completed by December 31. But now, due to the postponement, the exam is scheduled to conclude on January 2. Approximately, 1,900 aspirants will appear for the OCS (Main) examination.
The State Government had announced that all the government offices will remain closed on Tuesday for the Bharat Bandh.
Reports have emerged that widespread protests were seen in the state. Protestors reported in large numbers and even staged a rail roko in Bhubaneswar. Hundreds of farmers and members of various opposition parties shouted slogans against the NDA government.
“The three laws passed by the Narendra Modi Government are black laws and against the interest of farmers. Our future generation will surely suffer due to corporatisation of farm sector. The government must repeal the Acts,” said a CPI (M) leader while speaking to The Hindu.
Meanwhile, reports have also emerged that trucks carrying iron ore were prevented from moving in the industrial belts of Rourkela, Keonjhar among other places.