The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Friday said its protest over the alleged NEET paper leak and examination irregularities would continue until Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns or is removed from office. The statement came after the second round of talks between the Centre and the student-led organisation at the Constitution Club of India in New Delhi.
Representing the government at the meeting were Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office Jitendra Singh, while the CJP delegation included national spokesperson Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka.
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Following the nearly two-hour meeting, Ranka said the Centre had sought time until Saturday afternoon to respond to the demand for Pradhan’s resignation. He added that the government had expressed “in-principle” approval for two other demands — adequate compensation for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the NEET controversy and the withdrawal of FIRs and legal cases against peaceful protesters.
Speaking after the meeting, Nadda said the CJP had presented three key demands along with five suggestions for reforms in the examination system. He said the government would deliberate on the proposals and hold another round of discussions with the group on Saturday afternoon.
The latest talks came hours after activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike following written assurances from the Centre on issues including examination accountability, compensation for affected families and protection for peaceful protesters.
Earlier in the day, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke reiterated that the protest would not end without the resignation of the Education Minister. The Centre has also initiated administrative changes in the Education Ministry and announced plans to introduce legislation providing for fast-track courts and stricter punishment in examination-related offences as part of its response to the controversy.
