The government has firmly ruled out the possibility of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigning over the NEET-UG paper leak controversy, with official sources saying on Friday that stepping down would amount to evading responsibility rather than addressing the issue.
The stance comes as a setback for the online satire movement Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which has been holding a month-long protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, demanding Pradhan's resignation over the alleged NEET paper leak and broader concerns surrounding examination irregularities.
Government sources said there was "no question" of Pradhan stepping down. "Resigning and running away from responsibility will be the easiest thing to do. People have given us the mandate, and we will deliver," they said.
According to the sources, the government's priority is to reform the National Testing Agency (NTA) by addressing systemic flaws rather than taking symbolic measures. They said a detailed assessment of the agency's shortcomings has been completed, with corrective steps expected to be introduced soon.
The sources also pointed to the government's ongoing action against paper leak syndicates, stating that several such networks had already been dismantled and more action against those responsible was planned.
The government's remarks came on the same day that the CJP reaffirmed its position that Pradhan's resignation remained a non-negotiable demand.
During a two-hour meeting with Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh at Vithalbhai Patel House on Friday, CJP representatives reiterated that they would not withdraw their demand for Pradhan's resignation. They also sought a public apology from the Centre, the Rapid Action Force, and the Delhi Police Commissioner over the alleged police action against protesters during Monday's 'Sansad Chalo' march.
CJP spokesperson Saurav Das said the organisation had also demanded Rs 1 crore in compensation for the families of students who died by suicide after the cancellation of the May 3 NEET examination, withdrawal of FIRs filed against protesters, and implementation of its five-point charter on examination reforms.
In a letter submitted to the government, the CJP said it had consulted supporters and protesters nationwide before deciding that its key demands—including Pradhan's resignation, compensation for affected families, and legal protection for protesters—were non-negotiable. It warned that the movement would intensify and expand across the country if these demands were not met.
JP Nadda said the government had listened to the CJP's demands and would respond after reviewing them. He added that both sides would hold another round of talks on Saturday. Friday's discussions marked the third formal meeting between the government and the protest group.
The meeting took place just hours after activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike at Gurugram's Medanta Hospital following government assurances regarding his key concerns. It also coincided with the Centre's move to strengthen laws against examination fraud.
The CJP protest, which began on June 6, gained significant momentum after Wangchuk launched an indefinite hunger strike on June 28. He was removed from the protest site by police on July 19 after his health deteriorated.
The 59-year-old was first admitted to Safdarjung Hospital, but his wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, approached the court alleging inadequate treatment. The court subsequently allowed his transfer to Medanta Hospital.
Meanwhile, in a late-night selfie video on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the government would introduce a Bill in Parliament next week to impose stricter penalties for paper leaks. A few hours later, the Union Cabinet approved the draft legislation proposing tougher punishment for those involved in examination-related fraud.
Despite ongoing discussions between the two sides, the CJP has said its protest at Jantar Mantar will continue until Pradhan resigns. The government, however, has reiterated that its focus will remain on reforming the examination system and taking action against paper leak rackets rather than replacing the education minister.
