Centre Rules Out Dharmendra Pradhan’s Resignation as CJP Renews Demand Over NEET Paper Leak Protest
New Delhi: The Narendra Modi-led NDA government has made it clear that the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan is not under consideration, even as the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) continues to demand his removal over the NEET paper leak controversy. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
According to senior government sources, the Centre remains firmly behind the Education Minister despite ongoing protests at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.
A senior government source told NDTV that resigning would be the easiest option, but the government believes the focus should instead be on fixing the problems in the examination system.
The source said the government has identified several issues within the National Testing Agency (NTA) and is working on reforms. Officials also claimed that multiple gangs involved in paper leaks have already been busted, with more action expected in the coming days.
The protests gathered momentum earlier this week after police used tear gas and carried out a baton charge when demonstrators attempted to march towards Parliament. Opposition parties have also backed the protesters and are demanding the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan.
Despite the controversy, Pradhan has continued his official duties. On social media platform X, he shared messages marking the Bahuda Yatra, paid tributes to a freedom fighter and a senior journalist, and reposted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement promising stricter action against paper leaks.
The Education Minister also said he had discussed the need for better educational support for children with learning disabilities during a meeting with Members of Parliament from Odisha.
Earlier this week, Pradhan addressed a two-day conference of Education Ministers from different states, even as protests against the NEET issue continued.
Fresh Talks Between Centre and CJP
The second round of talks between the Centre and the CJP was held on Friday at the Constitution Club of India.
The government was represented by Union Health Minister JP Nadda and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office Jitendra Singh, while the CJP delegation included national spokesperson Saurav Das and leader Ashutosh Ranka.
After the meeting, Ranka said the government had requested time until Saturday afternoon to respond to the demand for Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation.
He added that the Centre had expressed in-principle approval for two other key demands raised by the protesters—providing compensation to the families of NEET aspirants who reportedly died by suicide and withdrawing FIRs and legal cases registered against students.
The CJP agreed to continue talks after the government reportedly assured that peaceful protesters would not face legal action and that compensation for affected families was being considered.
Before the meeting, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke said the protest would continue unless the Education Minister stepped down.
Sonam Wangchuk Ends Hunger Strike
The latest developments came hours after activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his hunger strike, which had begun on June 28 in support of the protesting students.
Wangchuk said he decided to end his fast after prolonged discussions with the government and to prevent the possibility of violence. He added that he would soon explain the conditions behind his decision in detail.
Changes in the Education Ministry
In another move, the Centre has reshuffled senior officials in the Ministry of Education.
Higher Education Secretary Vineet Joshi has been transferred to the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, while new officials have been appointed to lead both the Higher Education and School Education departments.
The Ministry of Education has remained under intense public scrutiny following the NEET paper leak controversy and allegations of irregularities in the evaluation of CBSE board examinations.
