What happened (resignation, ministerial change, and ending the protests)
Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned amid student protests linked to alleged NEET paper leaks. President Droupadi Murmu accepted the resignation and appointed Pralhad Joshi as the new Education Minister.
Student protests were concentrated around Jantar Mantar in Delhi for about 36 days. CJP leaders said the party ended the protest in good faith after the government agreed to two demands: compensation of ₹1 crore for families of students who died by suicide following NEET cancellation and no action against student protesters.
Union ministers stated that compensation would be provided within rules and that FIRs against student protesters would be withdrawn. Union ministers also said dialogue would continue regarding broader education reforms.
Rahul Gandhi welcomed Dharmendra Pradhan’s exit as a step toward rebuilding education but pressed for further demands, including accountability for persons who used force against students and a public apology by the prime minister.
Background (protests, spread, and clashes during the protest period)
Related current affairs
- In the eye of the storm / Dharmendra Pradhan
- Opposition calls Minister’s exit a big victory for the youth and democracy
- Patnaik seeks Pradhan’s resignation over agitation
- No debate while Pradhan stays in office: Opposition
- LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Stop the intimidation
- Jantar Mantar: Protesters celebrate union minister’s resignation; later scenes