Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned from his post following sustained nationwide protests over the alleged NEET examination paper leak and demands for greater accountability in India's education system. The resignation came ahead of a scheduled third round of discussions between the Central Government and representatives of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), a protest group that had consistently maintained the minister's resignation was its primary demand.
According to official statements, Pradhan submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, after which it was forwarded through the constitutional process for the President's approval. The development marked a significant political moment after days of demonstrations by student groups and activists across several parts of the country.
In a public statement, Pradhan expressed regret over the recent controversy, saying he had accepted responsibility from the outset for the irregularities reported in the NEET examination process. He reiterated that protecting students' futures and ensuring a fair examination system had always remained his highest priority. He also thanked the Prime Minister, Cabinet colleagues, state governments, and officials involved in conducting the NEET re-examination and publishing the results.
The protesting group had earlier placed three principal demands before the government: the Education Minister's resignation, assurance that no legal action would be taken against protesters, and financial compensation for families of students allegedly affected by the controversy. According to protest leaders, the remaining demands had already been addressed during negotiations.
The resignation follows weeks of demonstrations, public campaigns, and hunger strikes demanding reforms in examination governance. The government is expected to announce further administrative measures aimed at restoring confidence in the country's competitive examination system.
