‘Resignation is not the answer’: Centre backs Dharmendra Pradhan as protest grows

New Delhi: The government has reportedly ruled out the possibility of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigning over the NEET-UG paper leak controversy, insisting that accountability should come through reforms and action against those responsible rather than a change in leadership.

The statement came amid continued protests by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, where protesters have made Pradhan’s resignation a central demand. The group has accused the government of failing to take responsibility for alleged examination irregularities that have affected thousands of students.

Government sources said there was “no question” of Pradhan stepping down, arguing that resignation would be the easiest response and would amount to avoiding responsibility.

“Resigning and running away from responsibility will be the easiest thing to do. People have given us the mandate, and we will deliver,” government sources said.

The Centre’s stand has intensified the debate over political accountability, with critics questioning why responsibility has not extended to those holding top positions in the education system after repeated concerns over exam leaks and failures in examination management.

Reform over resignation: Centre’s argument

The government has maintained that removing the Education Minister would not address the larger problems within the examination system. Sources said the Centre is focusing on restructuring the National Testing Agency (NTA), reviewing its functioning and introducing corrective measures.

The government has also pointed to investigations into paper leak networks, saying several people involved in such cases have been arrested and further action is underway.

However, protesters and opposition leaders argue that while action against individuals involved in wrongdoing is necessary, accountability must also extend to those responsible for overseeing the system.

CJP keeps resignation demand at centre of protest

During a meeting with Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh on Friday, CJP representatives repeated their demand for Pradhan’s resignation.

The group also sought an apology from the Centre, the Rapid Action Force and the Delhi Police over alleged excessive force during the July 20 ‘Sansad Chalo’ march.

CJP spokesperson Saurav Das said the organisation demanded compensation for families of students who died by suicide following the cancellation of the NEET examination, withdrawal of FIRs against protesters and implementation of its proposed examination reforms.

The organisation said its demands were non-negotiable and warned that the protest movement could expand if the government does not respond.

NEET controversy turns into a larger accountability battle

The NEET paper leak controversy has grown beyond questions over examination security, becoming a wider political debate over trust in India’s competitive examination system.

Students have raised concerns over the impact of irregularities on their careers, while the government has defended its response by highlighting investigations, arrests and proposed legal changes.

The Union Cabinet has also approved amendments proposing stricter punishment for organised examination fraud, including stronger penalties for those involved in paper leak networks.

Despite multiple rounds of talks, the two sides remain divided. The CJP continues to demand Pradhan’s resignation as a symbol of accountability, while the government maintains that fixing the system and punishing those responsible is the priority.