Solidarity Vigil for Wangchuk Demands Accountability in Education Exams
A candlelight vigil was held at the B.R. Ambedkar statue on Secretariat Road here in solidarity with educationist and environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was forcibly hospitalised after launching an indefinite hunger strike demanding accountability from the Union Education Ministry.
The rally, led by student and youth organisations, criticised the Central government over failures in conducting national-level entrance examinations, including NEET and CUET. Participants alleged that the government has not addressed examination irregularities or student concerns, and called for greater transparency in the education system.
Speakers at the event included SFI State president S. Rajinikanth, DYFI leader Anaganti Venkatesh, and AIDWA leader R. Aruna Jyoti. They said the government's response to Wangchuk's 21-day hunger strike reflected an unwillingness to engage with democratic protests and demanded immediate dialogue with movement leaders.
The organisations demanded the resignation or removal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, holding him responsible for failures in the examination system. They also sought comprehensive reforms to ensure transparency, accountability and decentralisation in the conduct of entrance examinations.
Sonam Wangchuk, known for his work in education and environmental conservation in Ladakh, began his hunger strike on [date] to press for reforms in the examination system. He was hospitalised after his health deteriorated, drawing attention to his cause.
