Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation sparks rallies as students demand accountability and education reforms

Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as the education minister on Saturday afternoon. Soon, the organisers were asking everyone at Jantar Mantar to pack up and go home.Vipin, a law graduate from Shegaon, Maharashtra, had a different word for what had just happened. A “ceasefire”. “This is only one chapter of a war that has been completed.”The month-long sit-in over the NEET paper leaks had drawn students, lawyers, doctors, blue-collar workers and parents to the centre of Delhi. Along with Pradhan's resignation, the Cockroach Janta Party, which organised it, said the government had agreed to withdraw police cases against students and compensate the families of those who died by suicide.Almost everyone at the site called that a win. But pressed on what came next, they had a longer list: an apology from the Delhi Police, accountability from the home minister for the July 20 crackdown, compensation and reform for all exam aspirants — and beyond that, jobs, free education, and a change in politics.The first step, not the lastPranita, 23, a journalism graduate now looking for a job, had come back to the ground despite having been tear-gassed on July 20. “It’s only the first step,” she said of the resignation. “Going forward, we shouldn’t treat this as just another incident that fades away.”For her, the paper-leak scandal was inseparable from a larger crisis: graduates like her, degree in hand, still unable to find work that matched their qualifications. “It’s not just about education. It’s also about the job market.”Sheetal Shukla, 23, a NIFT student from Rohini who had shown up almost every day since the sit-in began said “this is the first step of the stairs” and “we haven’t even scratched the surface”. But, “PM Modi was posting at 12 in the night to communicate with Gen Z. I think it’s huge that he even acknowledged,” she said, comparing the government’s response to the farmers’ protest.Fifteen-year-old Azka came with her father.Ajay Kumar is a lawyer from East Delhi.Amal Shaju came from Mizoram.A placard takes a jibe at Salman Khan's remarks on Sonam Wangchuk.Pushpanjali Kumar said many issues are unresolved.Dr Arshdeep Badhan, 23, had travelled from Amritsar with a volunteer medical team.Riya, 26, who is preparing for a government teaching job, was part of the march.Rudraksh, 32, a freelance filmmaker from Rajouri Garden who had been attending on and off since the protests began, said “there still need to be major reforms in the education sector”. “Ideally, we should demand the education minister”s resignation, the home minister’s resignation, and, of course, it would be great if the prime minister resigned too. But I know that’s an idealistic expectation. Realistically, this is not the end, it’s just a baby step.” ‘They shouldn’t be suspended, but terminated’The demand that united the crowd on Saturday was that nobody had yet answered for July 20, when police used tear gas and a lathi-charge to clear protesters.Riya, 26, who is preparing for a government teaching job, was part of the march. “People in plain clothes were beating, and women were mistreated,” she said. “Why did all of that happen? The home minister should also be held accountable.” Vipin wanted more than an apology. Video of how police treated women protesters was “extremely disturbing,” he said, and officers who turned up without nameplates, in plain clothes, should not simply be suspended but terminated. “Only then will they stay within their limits.”Mohd Junaid, 25, an advocate at the Delhi High Court who had spent three days shuttling between police stations helping people detained during the protests, said the police commissioner should apologise publicly and officers who mistreated women should face a departmental inquiry and appear in a court of law. He held the home minister to the same standard. “He is a commander. You cannot misbehave like this with the students.”‘Leaders should be accountable’For Junaid, the stakes were close to home. His cousin had been preparing for NEET for seven years and had been caught up in the leaks repeatedly. “I have seen his pain,” Junaid said. So the resignation mattered as a precedent. “For a democratic setup, accountability is very important,” he said. “One shouldn’t stay in a political position if you cannot take accountability.” He recalled hearing party members boast that the word “resignation” did not exist in their vocabulary. Ajay Kumar, 36, an advocate from East Delhi, said the original demand had been met but an apology was still owed. “In a democratic country, if leaders can be elected and become prime minister, they should also be accountable to the people,” he said. He wanted a structural fix too – anyone wanting to become a political leader should first have to sit an exam themselves. “Only then will they truly understand the pain and struggles of students.”Amal Shaju, 27, back from work in Mizoram after a month, connected the protest to grievances far from Delhi, invoking Manipur and what he called a “rigged system”. Whatever had been won here, he insisted, was “just a spark” that should not be allowed to fade.Fifteen-year-old Azka, attending for the first time with her father, treated the whole episode as a test of the system. “The government keeps asking for votes in the name of democracy,” she said, “but there are also allegations of vote theft. If this is a democracy, then democratic values should be upheld.” ‘Compensation for lost time’Underneath such demands sat a more personal wound – the leaks, and the years students had already spent preparing.Dr Arshdeep Badhan, 23, had travelled from Amritsar with a volunteer medical team from the Five Rivers Heart Association, treating police and protesters alike, free of charge, since the day of the lathi-charge. Having sat NEET himself, he saw the issue as one of public safety. “We studied hard, took the exam honestly, and reached where we are today,” he said. “If future generations get into medical colleges by buying leaked papers or through unfair means, how will they treat patients? We are responsible for people’s lives.”Rahul Pal, 23, counted the losses in rupees and years. “The government announces recruitment, students pay the application fee, travel to examination centres, and then the paper gets leaked and the examination is cancelled,” he said. “Their time is wasted, their money is wasted.” Against an unforgiving age limit for government recruitment, that time cannot be recovered. His demands were: free education for the coming year, reimbursement of fees, and compensation for lost time. If none of it came, he said “either the government should resign, or it should compensate students”.For several protesters, the sit-in was a rehearsal for a different kind of politics.Junaid argued that religious rhetoric had for years been used to keep people divided while those in power benefited. His hope was that education and health would replace religion as the country’s central political argument.Shaheen Sheikh, 21, a journalism student from Kanpur affiliated with the student organisation AISF, had spent a month camped at the site. Coming from a background she described as not privileged, she said the protest’s deeper meaning was that a person’s background should never determine whether they deserve an education. “Education should be free in this country,” she said.Amal Shaju, 27, back from work in Mizoram after a month, connected the protest to grievances far from Delhi, invoking Manipur and what he called a “rigged system”. Whatever had been won here, he insisted, was “just a spark” that should not be allowed to fade.In times of misinformation, you need news you can trust. We’ve got you covered. Subscribe to Newslaundry and power our work.

Thunderous beats of the Nasik dhol, waving tricolours and renditions of the national anthem filled Mumbai's streets on Saturday evening as hundreds of citizens gathered to celebrate the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.Over 1,000 people, including students, youth activists and civil society members gathered at Dadar's Shivaji Park and Bandra Bandstand promenade on Saturday following Pradhan's resignation. After five days of consistent protests in the city demanding educational reforms, the gathering on the sixth day was celebratory in nature as the union government accepted all the demands put forth by youth-led movement Cockroach Janata Party.​The high-voltage celebrations erupted within hours of Pradhan submitting his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, bowing to over a month of relentless nationwide student protests demanding systemic examination reforms and political accountability following irregularities in national competitive exams.​At Dadar’s historic Shivaji Park – the centre of spontaneous protest gathering for the last six days – young protesters waved the Indian flag, congratulated each other and burst into celebratory dance to the cadence of traditional dhols. Starting from 6pm, youngsters started pouring in amid incessant rain, turning the mood jubilant, with chants of "Inquilab Zindabad" and "Desh Ka Yuva Jeet Gaya" (Indian Youth Has Won) echoing across the grounds.Simultaneously, at Bandra’s Bandstand, local Congress corporator had organised a gathering to recite the national anthem in solidarity with the nationwide movement. While the call was made before Pradhan's resignation, the gathering at 4pm turned into a celebration of a small victory. Along with youngsters, senior citizens from the locality joined in large numbers. City's Congress president and Mumbai North Central's member of parliament Varsha Gaikwad also joined the citizens in the protest.However, the overall mood of the protesters said that the union education minister's resignation marked only the first step and the larger battle for educational reforms is far from over. Protesters highlighted that the education system needs an overhaul with major reforms to ensure a bright future for the country's youth.Mumbai police ensured strict bandobast at both the venues of gatherings. At Bandra, the police did not allow people to enter the amphitheatre, where the gathering was planned, forcing people to relocate to a nearby spot. At Dadar, police restricted the dhol players and the protesters raising slogans against the PM, threatening them of detention, but ultimately allowed everyone to disperse following a recital of the national anthem.The police have planned massive deployment at Shivaji Park for Sunday's gathering to prevent any untoward incidents or any issue with the law and order situation. “Mumbai Police have made appropriate security arrangements by deploying the required number of officers, personnel, and necessary resources. Adequate measures have been put in place to maintain law and order across the city,” said deputy commissioner of police (operations) Akbar PathanNEET Victim Sujit Dhage's Family Says Pradhan's Resignation Must Lead To Real Education System ReformsVoices-Students-I have been coming to Shivaji Park everyday since Monday to participate in the protest for my friends who are facing immense pressure in the science stream. Although the union minister said that he hasn't resigned under anyone's pressure, everyone knows that it was a result of the pressure and fear of youth. The next minister should understand the importance of accountability. Ameya Ghadigaonkar- Ameya Ghadigaonkar, Class-12 student, Wilson CollegeThe resignation should have come a month back to prevent the brutality on the students and the accountability should have come over a decade ago. The resignation doesn't change anything, we need better ambitions for our future. Long time back, the union defence minister had said that the ministers of this government do not resign, which felt like they are not scared of the people. Today, they have started fearing.Harshul Sharma-Harshul Sharma, a finance professionalThe government handled the agitation in the wrong way. Instead of holding a dialogue, it resorted to a lathi-charge on students. In a democracy, communication is the strongest weapon but the Modi government failed to use it. The GenZ movement has sent a strong message to the BJP government. It should now move beyond caste and religion-based politicsPrafful Yadav-Prafful Yadav, an insurance professionalThis is a democracy and everyone has the right to raise their voice. Instead of responding with force, the government should have listened to the concerns of the youth. The new Education Minister must be more accountable.Arfat Haris-Arfat Haris, an HSC science student from Bandra WestThe movement was driven by students rather than political parties. The issue raised by the students is genuine. Political parties only extended support later. This should serve as a reminder to every government that it is accountable to the people and must respond responsibly to the concerns of students.Ibrahim-Ibrahim, an educationist from Khar WestAs a former NEET aspirant, I understand the immense mental and emotional toll this exam takes. We appreciate the government taking moral accountability, but justice for the 21 students, support for their families and lasting reforms must now follow. This tragedy should become a turning point for India's education system. Exam leaks, irregularities, and the commercialisation of education have eroded trust. We need a system that is fair, transparent, and gives young Indians enough opportunities to build their future here.Manish Chavan-Manish Chavan, a Student at Thakur College of Technology, BorivaliThe question is who next. What pointers will be kept in mind before electing the next Education minister?Krishna Gupta-Krishna Gupta, a student at CSMU, PanvelParents-I was preparing for the TET exam this year but the exam has been postponed following a paper leak. My four-year-old daughter says that she wants to become a doctor, it saddens me to see the condition of medical aspirants today. It is sad to see the education system of this democratic country having been collapsed. We, who are living in the city, should also speak for the students from rural areas – the famrmers’ children – whose schools are being shut down. However, the resignation is just the beginning the objective of this movement is change in the education system. -Madhavi Vishal Kharat, a housewife and a TET aspirantThe resignation should have come much earlier. It is shameful that the government took almost a month to act. Young people came together without any divide of caste or religion. Attempts were made to divide the movement, but they failed. The future of our children should never be compromised.Sabrina-Sabrina, mother of a 13-year-old daughterThe generation that questions injustice strengthens the nation’s future. When young people stand together with purpose, they become a force that cannot be ignored. I salute Gen Z for choosing courage over silence and for demanding fairness, accountability, and a stronger education system for generations to come.Sangeeta Singh-Sangeeta Singh, parent of two teenagers from NerulA democracy can withstand dissent, but not indifference. The minister's resignation is significant but not the end of the movement. Resignation was only one demand, the larger issue is accountability. The country still needs answers on the systemic failures behind this crisis and meaningful reforms to strengthen transparency, curb corruption, and improve the education system. Without real institutional reform, this risks becoming a symbolic gestureSrishti Shinde Ghosh-Srishti Shinde Ghosh, mother of a 2.8-year-old daughter To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/

Navi Mumbai: Following Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's announcement of his resignation, students and citizens across Navi Mumbai welcomed the development, calling it a significant victory for the student movement while asserting that the fight for accountability and education reforms is far from over.Gratitude Gathering at HiranandaniStudents and citizens of Kharghar, who had planned a protest on July 26, announced that the protest has been cancelled as their primary demand has been fulfilled. Instead, they will gather at Hiranandani, Kharghar, at 11 am to express gratitude to volunteers and supporters who helped strengthen the movement and to pay tribute to the 21 students who, participants believe, lost their lives following the NEET examination paper leak. Organisers have requested participants to carry only the Indian National Flag (Tiranga), with no political party flags, banners or posters permitted.Sangeeta Singh, Srishti Shinde Ghosh. Krishna Gupta, Manish Chavan, Abhishek KambleMeanwhile, the Navi Mumbai 4 Wangchuk group, which organised one of the largest student protest marches in Navi Mumbai, will hold a digital celebration with its volunteers at around 10 pm. Organisers said the volunteers had worked tirelessly on the ground and were too exhausted for a physical gathering. Participants will join the online meeting holding placards as a symbolic celebration of the movement's success while also discussing the way forward.Students Seek Reforms Beyond Leadership ChangeWhile welcoming the resignation, members of the movement made it clear that they expect the government to go beyond a change in leadership and undertake meaningful reforms."The question is who next. What pointers will be kept in mind before electing the next Education Minister?" asked Krishna Gupta, 19, a student of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj University, Panvel, and a volunteer who participated in the Navi Mumbai protest march, stressing that the appointment of the next minister would be closely watched.Organiser Says Movement Must Not EndEchoing the sentiment that the resignation alone cannot deliver justice, Abhishek Kamble, 25, a student of Swami Vivekanand Law College, Chembur, said, "I think a resignation isn't enough, families of students who lost their lives must be compensated and accountability shall be the rule of democracy and resignation shall be the consequences."Speaking on behalf of the organisers, Manish Chavan, 21, a student of Thakur College of Engineering and Technology and organiser of the Navi Mumbai 4 Wangchuk protest, said the resignation represented moral accountability but should not mark the end of the movement.Chavan Praises Navi Mumbai Police Handling"As a former NEET aspirant, I understand the immense mental and emotional toll this exam takes. We appreciate the government taking moral accountability, but justice for the 21 students, support for their families, and lasting reforms must now follow," Chavan said, adding, "This tragedy should become a turning point for India's education system. Exam leaks, irregularities, and the commercialisation of education have eroded trust. We need a system that is fair, transparent, and gives young Indians enough opportunities to build their future here. The handling of student protests in Delhi also raised serious concerns. Students deserve to exercise their democratic rights with dignity. Our experience in Navi Mumbai was very different—the police coordinated with us, supported our march, and respected our democratic rights. We hope that becomes the standard across India."Former journalist and Kharghar resident Srishti Shinde Ghosh said the larger issue of institutional accountability remains unresolved despite the resignation."While the Education Minister's resignation is significant, it is not the end of the movement. Resignation was only one demand; the larger issue is accountability. The country still needs answers on the systemic failures behind this crisis and meaningful reforms to strengthen transparency, curb corruption, and improve the education system," Ghosh said, adding, "The government must also explain the treatment of peaceful protesters at Jantar Mantar and why young citizens exercising their democratic rights were met with force. A democracy can withstand dissent, but not indifference. These questions go far beyond one resignation. Without real institutional reform, this risks becoming a symbolic gesture," said Ghosh, who is also the mother of a 2.8-year-old daughter.NEET Paper Leak Victims' Families See Dharmendra Pradhan's Resignation As Step But Insist Justice And Reforms Are Far From OverSangeeta Singh, a parent of two teenagers from Nerul, said the movement had demonstrated the power of young people to bring about change."The generation that questions injustice strengthens the nation's future. When young people stand together with purpose, they become a force that cannot be ignored. I salute Gen Z for choosing courage over silence and for demanding fairness, accountability, and a stronger education system for generations to come," she said.Organisers said that while the resignation marked a historic milestone achieved through sustained public participation, the movement would now focus on seeking justice for the affected families, pushing for greater transparency in examinations and working towards long-term reforms in India's education system.To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/

Mumbai: The resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has triggered mixed reactions from educationists and student organisations, with many describing it as a significant political development while stressing that meaningful reforms in India's education system must go beyond a change in leadership.Kalpande Credits Youth PersistenceFormer Chairman of the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education, Vasant Kalpande, said the resignation reflects the determination of the country's youth, who continued their protests demanding accountability."It is the result of the hard work and persistent efforts of the younger generation," Kalpande said. He added that the government should have maintained greater transparency from the outset regarding the steps being taken to investigate the examination paper leak cases.Welcome New Bill But Demand Broader Reforms"Had the government communicated its actions openly from the beginning, the issue may not have escalated to this extent," he said.Kalpande also welcomed the introduction of a new Bill in Parliament aimed at tackling paper leaks but argued that legislative reforms should not be confined to examination malpractice alone."The legislation should go beyond paper leaks and introduce systemic reforms across the education sector," he said.Pressing Challenges in Education SystemEchoing similar concerns, Dr. Madhav Suryawanshi, Chief Coordinator of the Shikshan Vikas Manch at Yashwantrao Chavan Centre, said the resignation was an appropriate outcome following sustained protests over the alleged NEET paper leak.He, however, questioned whether merely replacing the Education Minister would address the structural challenges confronting the education system."The real question today is whether changing the Education Minister will resolve the fundamental issues in education," Suryawanshi said.According to him, India's education system continues to face pressing challenges ranging from improving academic quality and ensuring transparency in competitive examinations to reducing growing educational and economic inequalities while providing equal opportunities for all students.Suryawanshi also pointed out that although the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has been introduced, its implementation remains incomplete in several states. At the same time, he said, India must accelerate efforts to align education with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, digital skills and research-driven learning while preserving the country's rich knowledge traditions.Long-Term Reforms Over Temporary Measures"Long-term reforms, transparency, quality education and effective implementation of policies are more important than temporary measures. Real transformation can come only through concrete educational reforms, not merely through a change in leadership," he added.SIO Demands Comprehensive OverhaulStudent organisations described the resignation as a milestone in their movement but maintained that their campaign would continue until broader demands are met.Aamir Kazi, AISF Maharashtra, called the resignation "the first victory" of the student movement."The resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan is the first victory of the students' movement. It proves that united student and youth struggles can bring change. But our fight is not over. We will continue our movement until justice is delivered to the 22 NEET aspirants who lost their lives, the NTA is scrapped, NEP 2020 is withdrawn, and a transparent, accountable, and equitable public education system is ensured," Kazi said.Brett Lee Visits Mumbai's TEACH Institute, Backs Higher Education And Jobs For Deaf And Hard Of Hearing YouthThe Students Islamic Organisation (SIO) Maharashtra South Zone also welcomed the development but stressed that it should mark the beginning of comprehensive education reforms rather than the conclusion of the movement.In a statement issued by Md Owais Siddiqui, State Secretary (Public Relations), the organisation demanded a complete overhaul of the examination system, a foolproof mechanism to prevent paper leaks with strict criminal liability, and immediate financial compensation for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the NEET paper leak crisis.The organisation also condemned police action against protesting students, alleging violence and illegal detentions during demonstrations. It demanded the immediate withdrawal of all FIRs and criminal cases registered against student protesters, asserting that the movement for accountability and educational justice would continue.The resignation has intensified the national debate on examination integrity and education governance, with education experts and student bodies agreeing that while a change in leadership is significant, lasting reforms will require greater transparency, institutional accountability and sustained policy implementation.