NEET paper leak protests spread to Jaipur; students demand Education Minister’s resignation

Student protests over the NEET paper leak spread to Jaipur on Friday as aspirants staged demonstrations at Patrika Gate. Meanwhile, Sheo MLA Ravindra Singh Bhati and former RUSU chief Nirmal Chaudhary reached Delhi's Jantar Mantar to support protesting students

Jaipur: The students’ protest against NEET paper leak, which has been continuing at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, has now spread to Jaipur. Scores of students and competitive exam aspirants gathered at Patrika Gate near Jawahar Circle, raising slogans against the paper leak and demanding greater accountability in the examination system.

On Friday, protesters carried banners and placards, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and strict action against those responsible for the alleged paper leak.

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The protest remained peaceful, with students reiterating their demand for transparent investigations and fair recruitment processes.

Student and youth organisations have been protesting at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar since June 20 over the NEET paper leak and examination irregularities. The movement has drawn support from several politicians, sportspersons, Bollywood celebrities, activists, student groups and ordinary people from all walks of life.

Meanwhile, two of Rajasthan’s prominent young leaders also joined the agitation in the national Capital, which has been continuing for nearly a month, demanding the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan and reforms to ensure a transparent examination system.

Independent MLA Ravindra Singh Bhati, who represents the Sheo Assembly constituency in Barmer district, and Nirmal Chaudhary, former president of the Rajasthan University Students’ Union, reached Jantar Mantar to express solidarity with the protesting students.

Their visit comes days after police action, including a lathi-charge and tear gassing, against demonstrators at the protest site.

Both leaders met the students and extended their support, urging the NDA government at the Centre to address their concerns through dialogue.

The protests intensified after demonstrators marching towards Parliament reportedly faced police and RAF action, including shock baton charges and the use of tear gas.

The developments in Delhi have sparked similar demonstrations in several states, including Rajasthan.

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day indefinite hunger strike late on Thursday after holding discussions with Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Dr. Jitendra Singh. He broke his fast by drinking juice in their presence.

Following the development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished Wangchuk good health in a social media post.

The Prime Minister also addressed the issue of examination paper leaks in a video message, outlining measures including stricter legal provisions, fast-track courts for paper leak cases and steps aimed at strengthening the integrity of the examination system.