The exit of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, whose resignation was the key demand of the protesters led by the Cockroach Janata Party, should now pave the way for sincere effort to tackle the larger issue of education reforms
The Union Cabinet approved a draft bill proposing stricter penalties for paper leaks, including up to 10 years' imprisonment and a ₹10 crore fine for organised rackets. The legislation also mandates time-bound investigations and fast-track trials to curb examination malpractices
Activist Sonam Wangchuk refused to end his 17-day hunger strike despite worsening health and mounting appeals from political leaders and public figures, while supporters urged the government to initiate dialogue and continued protests demanding reforms in the examination system
The Kerala Assembly passed a resolution urging the Centre to comprehensively reform NEET and the national examination system. The UDF and LDF jointly backed the motion, rejecting BJP amendments, citing repeated exam irregularities, paper leaks and administrative failures affecting students' confidence
