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Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned amid the NEET paper leak controversy, citing moral responsibility. Student groups welcomed the move, while opposition leaders called for wider reforms.
New Delhi: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned from the Union Cabinet on Saturday amid continuing protests over the NEET question paper leak controversy, describing his decision as one taken on "moral responsibility" in the interest of students.
The resignation came after days of demonstrations by students at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. The Students' Justice Party (SJP), which has been spearheading the protests, had made Mr. Pradhan's resignation one of its principal demands and described the development as the first success of the ongoing agitation.
In a statement posted on social media platform X after submitting his resignation, Mr. Pradhan said the developments of the past ten days had deeply affected him. He said the decision was not about his personal position but was intended to safeguard the future of the country's youth.
The former Minister said he had served the education sector for several decades and believed that students' future should not become entangled in prolonged political or legal disputes.
Referring to the NEET-UG controversy, Mr. Pradhan said the Centre had ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe soon after allegations of irregularities surfaced and had subsequently cancelled and reconducted the examination. He maintained that the government had acted responsibly from the outset to protect the interests of deserving students.
Following the announcement, students participating in the protests at Jantar Mantar celebrated the resignation.
Leaders of the Students' Justice Party said the development was "not the victory of an individual but of students across the country." They added that while their first demand had been met, the agitation would continue until their remaining demands, including action against those responsible for the police action on protesting students and reforms in the examination system, were addressed.
Social activist Sonam Wangchuk welcomed the resignation, describing it as a victory for peaceful democratic protest and the determination shown by students.
Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi also welcomed the development, calling it an important first step towards reforming the education system. He, however, urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to apologise to students and demanded an impartial inquiry into the alleged police action during the protests.
Mr. Pradhan's resignation has also triggered speculation over a possible reshuffle of the Union Council of Ministers. Political circles are closely watching developments in New Delhi amid reports that changes in the Union Cabinet could be announced in the coming days. However, no official announcement has been made so far.
