Hajipur:
In most parts of the country, board exams are cause for considerable stress. Not in Bihar.
It was bonus day for policemen and students in Hajipur, 10 km from Patna. At the Rambalak Rai College, close to 10 policemen were on guard while Class 12 students worked on their Physics exam. They had plenty of help. At least two policemen were caught on camera accepting money from families and friends who wanted to pass cheat-sheets to those inside the exam centre.
The bribes were small - Rs 10 per chit that passed through the open window. But the students also consulted each other freely inside.
The group exercise was filmed by a free lancer who hid on the roof of a house opposite the college.
"We have police units deployed at all examination centres... to ensure that no student cheats during the exams," declared Ravi Bhushan Pandey, the District Education Officer, with no trace of irony.
Nitish Kumar may have changed many stereotypes about Bihar, but the annual ritual of cheating during exams with enthusiastic participation by policemen continues.