Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as Union Education Minister on Friday, accepting moral responsibility for the NEET paper leak that led to widespread student protests. The resignation comes after days of demonstrations at Jantar Mantar and other locations, with protesters demanding accountability.
Resignation Details
Pradhan submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that he takes full responsibility for the lapse in exam security. In his resignation letter, he said, "I consider it my moral duty to step down to ensure a thorough investigation and restore public faith in the examination system." The NEET paper leak involved a breach of the medical entrance exam, affecting thousands of students.
Protests and Demands
Over 500 students had gathered at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, demanding the minister's resignation and a judicial inquiry. The protests, which lasted for 72 hours, saw participation from various student unions and political groups. Civil Judge Abhijeet Dipke, who was overseeing a related case, also commented on the need for systemic reforms.
Impact and Next Steps
The resignation marks a significant political development, with opposition parties calling for a full investigation. The government has announced a high-level committee to review exam security protocols. Meanwhile, students have welcomed the resignation but insist on stronger measures to prevent future leaks.
