Centre Invites Student Protesters for Talks, Says Ready for Dialogue ‘Any Time’
New Delhi: The Central Government has renewed its offer to hold talks with student protesters, saying it is ready for discussions at any time to resolve the ongoing agitation over the alleged NEET paper leak and examination reforms. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Union Minister Jitendra Singh said the government has sent four formal proposals to representatives of the student protest movement since Wednesday afternoon, inviting them for discussions.
“The government is ready for talks on all issues at your convenience, at any time,” Singh said. He added that Union Health Minister JP Nadda would also take part in the meeting. The discussions can be held either at JP Nadda’s office or residence, stressing that the government was not concerned about the venue and wanted to find a peaceful solution through dialogue.
The fresh outreach comes shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the creation of fast-track courts to ensure speedy trials and strict punishment in cases related to examination paper leaks.
The protest movement has been demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, alleging government failure to prevent examination irregularities. Thousands of students recently attempted to march towards Parliament, intensifying pressure on the Centre.
Responding to the government’s invitation, Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) spokesperson Saurav Das said the group was willing to hold talks but rejected the proposal to meet at a minister’s residence or office.
He said the discussions should take place at Jantar Mantar, where the protesters have been staging their demonstration. However, Das added that the organisation would also consider a neutral venue near the protest site if there were security concerns.
“We have always been ready for dialogue. If the issue can be resolved through discussions, it will be a positive step,” Das said. He also demanded a government assurance that no fresh FIRs would be filed and no punitive action would be taken against peaceful protesters involved in the movement.
According to the CJP, demonstrations have spread beyond Delhi to several states, including Bihar, Goa, Maharashtra and Rajasthan, with organisers describing the agitation as a nationwide, student-led movement. Party spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka reiterated that the demand for the Education Minister’s resignation remains unchanged and said the government should come to the protesters for negotiations.
Earlier this week, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke questioned the government’s approach, alleging that while it had invited the group for talks, police action against protesters continued at the same time.
Meanwhile, security restrictions in the national capital disrupted normal life. Seventeen Delhi Metro stations were temporarily closed during the day, causing inconvenience to thousands of office-goers, students and commuters. The stations were reopened later in the evening after security measures were eased.
