Ranchi, July 25: Students protesting against the alleged NEET paper leak celebrated the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan at Albert Ekka Chowk in Ranchi on Friday, distributing sweets and Melody toffees and declaring that their movement for justice would continue.
The celebrations came amid ongoing protests over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination, with demonstrators calling the resignation a significant victory for students across the country. Protesters raised slogans and congratulated one another, describing the development as only the beginning of their campaign for accountability in the education system.
Student leader Jagriti said the agitation would continue if students continued to face injustice.
“This is just the beginning; the struggle will continue,” Jagriti said.
“If injustice is meted out to the public in the future, there will be another movement for justice. We will not bow down to the government, but will fight,” she added.
Welcoming Pradhan’s resignation, the protesters alleged that the future of thousands of students had been put at risk due to irregularities in the examination process. They also claimed that several students had died by suicide in connection with the controversy and described the minister’s resignation as a necessary step toward accountability.
Following his resignation, Dharmendra Pradhan shared a message on social media reflecting on his tenure and reaffirming his commitment to education.
“I have been dedicated to students, teachers, and education reform for over four decades. I have always believed that a strong, inclusive, and visionary education system is the foundation of a strong nation,” Pradhan wrote.
He further stated, “I deeply respect the aspirations, sentiments, and just expectations of the nation’s youth,” and expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the opportunity to serve the nation under his leadership.
The resignation has triggered celebrations among protesting students in Ranchi, who said they would continue their campaign until they see comprehensive reforms ensuring transparency, fairness and accountability in the country’s examination system.
