Protests over alleged question paper leaks in NEET and other recruitment entrance exams intensified in Delhi in recent days, with a newly formed party leading demonstrations demanding reforms in the examination system and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
As Parliament’s monsoon session began last week, protesters gathered at Jantar Mantar and attempted to march towards Parliament. Police moved to stop the march, the situation turned tense, and violence broke out, with baton charges and tear gas reported. Several people were injured in the police action, and areas around Parliament saw heavy disruption.
Opposition parties voiced support for the agitation, citing repeated paper leak incidents, including the recent NEET case, and arguing that the issue has had severe consequences for students. While the Centre said those responsible for leaks had been arrested, protesters remained dissatisfied and continued to press for the minister’s resignation.
With the movement gaining support from students across multiple states, including Tamil Nadu, the Centre eventually moved to engage in talks and stopped efforts to discredit or suppress the protests, according to the article. Following progress in discussions held on Saturday, Dharmendra Pradhan resigned, and the government said other demands would be examined as per rules.
After the announcements, the protest was called off and normalcy returned to Delhi. The article argues the decision reflects respect for students’ concerns and notes the government’s move to pursue a legislative amendment in Parliament to curb paper leaks, stressing the need for stricter safeguards in high-stakes exams.
