Jantar Mantar Protest Talks Continue as Party Demands Minister's Resignation
A two-member delegation of a political party, which met two Union Ministers on Friday, reiterated their demand for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, asserting that it was non-negotiable. They also called for a public apology to protesting students who were involved in a clash on July 20.
In the meeting with Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh, the party also demanded compensation of ₹1 crore for the families of those who died by suicide after the cancellation of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) on May 3, according to a party spokesperson.
The two sides are scheduled to meet again on Saturday.
In a move to address exam malpractices, the central government has taken several steps, including strengthening anti-paper leak laws and terminating the services of up to 47 officials in the National Testing Agency (NTA).
Meanwhile, activist Sonam Wangchuk, who ended his hunger strike in the presence of Union Ministers, released a video message on Friday stating he did not make any deal with the government and ended the fast because he feared a crackdown against students and protesters at Jantar Mantar. Another activist described the ongoing agitation in the context of the NEET paper leak as a very successful movement that has highlighted education reforms and awakened the country, expressing hope it would serve as a wake-up call for the government.
