Punjab's recruitment controversies spark protests, officials call for transparency

Student groups and sanitation staff have taken to the streets of Punjab demanding accountability after a series of alleged exam irregularities. The protests intensified after the pharmacy recruitment test, where candidates alleged that answer sheets were transmitted electronically from the exam hall.

Police response included a lathi charge on Dalit workers in Barnala who were peacefully demanding promised regularisation of temporary jobs. The National Commission for Scheduled Castes has taken cognisance of the incident and has asked the state DGP for a detailed report. Activists say the violence underscores a pattern of broken promises by the Mann government.