OSSC LTR Arts-Odia aspirants hold overnight protest by using mobile flashlights in Bhubaneswar

Aspirants of the LTR Arts–Odia examination staged an overnight protest outside the Odisha Staff Selection Commission (OSSC) office in Bhubaneswar on Monday, alleging prolonged delays in the publication of the final answer key and document verification (DV) list despite assurances from the commission.

Sources reported that the protesters, who began their demonstration in the morning, continued the sit-in late into the night, using mobile phone flashlights in an overnight vigil to draw attention to their demands. The LTR Arts–Odia examination was completed in November, but candidates say no official update has been issued since then.

According to the aspirants, OSSC authorities had earlier stated that the final answer key and the document verification list would be released by December 25. However, with December 29 already passed, no such lists have been published on the OSSC portal, prompting renewed protests.

Aspirants Cite Missed Deadline

A student protester said the delay has caused uncertainty among candidates ahead of the New Year.

“Before the vacations, by December 25, they were supposed to do their part of the duty, which was to prepare the DV list and merit list. Today it is the 29th, and the New Year is in two days, yet no updates have been sent. The OSSC portal also shows nothing,” the protester said.

The protester added that candidates remained at the site throughout the day seeking clarification.

“We have been protesting here since 9 in the morning, and it is now 8 pm. They did not listen to us and returned home in their cars under police protection,” the student alleged.

Earlier Protests, No Official Update

The aspirants said this was not the first time they had raised the issue. Earlier protests had also been held demanding the timely release of results and transparency in the recruitment process. Despite repeated representations, they claim there has been no formal communication from the commission regarding a revised timeline.

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Protest to Continue Till Demands Met

The protesting aspirants warned that the agitation would continue until their demands are addressed and the pending lists are published. They maintained that the delay has disrupted their career plans and added to anxiety among candidates who have been waiting for months after completing the examination.

There was no immediate response from OSSC officials regarding the delay or the demands raised by the aspirants.