Srinagar, Jul 25: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned on Saturday, taking moral responsibility for the NEET UG paper leak controversy that triggered one of the largest student movements in recent years. His resignation came after days of nationwide protests demanding accountability and sweeping reforms in the country’s examination system.
Pradhan announced his decision through a public statement and submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In his resignation message, he said his decision was aimed at protecting the interests of students and ensuring that the ongoing unrest did not affect their future. Pradhan also said he wanted to prevent anti-national forces from exploiting the situation and allow students to return to their studies without uncertainty.
The protests began after allegations of large-scale irregularities and a paper leak in the NEET UG examination. The controversy affected nearly 20 lakh medical aspirants across the country, raising serious concerns over the credibility of the National Testing Agency and the conduct of national level entrance examinations.
The issue soon developed into a nationwide movement, with students, parents and civil society groups demanding a transparent investigation and fixed responsibility.
Thousands of students gathered at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar and in several other cities, calling for the Education Minister’s resignation. Police used tear gas and detained several protesters during demonstrations, drawing criticism from opposition parties and rights groups. The protests intensified over the past week, putting increasing pressure on the government.
Soon after Pradhan stepped down, protest leaders declared the agitation successful and announced that the demonstrations would end after the Centre accepted their principal demands. The government assured that no action would be taken against protesters and promised reforms in the examination system, including stronger safeguards to prevent future paper leaks and improve transparency in the functioning of the National Testing Agency.
Celebrations broke out at Jantar Mantar as students hailed the resignation as a victory for accountability. Opposition leaders described the development as a reminder that governments must respond to public concerns, while education experts stressed that restoring trust in India’s examination system would require long term institutional reforms beyond a change in leadership.
Pradhan’s resignation is only the second ministerial exit during the Modi government’s tenure following sustained public protests, making it one of the most significant political outcomes of the NEET controversy. The Centre is expected to announce a new Education Minister in the coming days as efforts begin to rebuild confidence in the country’s examination process.
