Kochi: The Students' Federation of India (SFI) has announced a nationwide education shutdown on Friday, July 24, as part of its protest against the alleged NEET exam irregularities and the police action against students during demonstrations in Delhi.

The student organisation has demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, alleging that the government has failed to take responsibility for the examination controversy and protect the interests of students.

The shutdown call comes amid growing protests over the NEET issue, with several student groups and political organisations intensifying their demonstrations across the country.

SFI protests police action during Delhi agitation

SFI said the nationwide shutdown was also aimed at protesting against the police response during the CJP's Chalo Sansad march in Delhi, where clashes broke out between protesters and security personnel.

The organisation alleged that students faced police brutality during the demonstrations and said the education shutdown was intended to highlight concerns over the handling of student protests.

SFI General Secretary Srijan Bhattacharya announced additional symbolic protests and said that "Melody" chocolates would be distributed to police personnel across the country on July 25 and 26 as part of the organisation's campaign.

Kerala educational institutions to participate

SFI Kerala State Secretary P S Sanjeev said the shutdown would be observed across educational institutions in the state in solidarity with the nationwide protest.

The call follows a one-day education shutdown observed by the Kerala Students' Union (KSU) in Kerala over police action against protesters. The Fraternity Movement has also announced a similar education shutdown on Friday, making it the second consecutive day of such protests in the state.

Student groups intensify pressure over NEET issue

The latest protest calls come as student organisations continue to demand accountability over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations.

SFI and other groups have been demanding action against those responsible for examination-related issues, greater transparency in the examination system and accountability from government authorities.

The protests have gained momentum following clashes during the CJP's Jantar Mantar agitation, which brought renewed attention to the larger debate over student grievances and examination reforms.

Cultural gathering planned in solidarity with Jantar Mantar protest

As part of the wider protest campaign, a cultural gathering will be organised at Manaveeyam Veethi from Friday evening until Saturday morning in support of the ongoing agitation at Jantar Mantar.

SFI leaders had earlier met Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan and submitted a charter of demands. The document reportedly included 102 demands, including the removal of the Governor from the position of Chancellor of state universities.

With SFI, KSU and other student organisations announcing separate forms of protest, demonstrations over the NEET controversy have expanded beyond Delhi and are gaining visibility across states.

The Centre has maintained that it is open to discussions on examination-related concerns, while protesters continue to demand political accountability and action before entering further dialogue.