NEW DELHI: India’s Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned on Saturday following weeks of nationwide protests over alleged examination paper leaks and growing concerns about irregularities in the country’s education system.
In a statement shared on X, Pradhan said the recent developments had deeply saddened him and stressed that the issue should not become a matter of personal or political pride.
“The unity of the nation must remain intact, and no student’s future should be caught in legal uncertainty,” he wrote, adding that students should be able to focus on their education and careers. He confirmed that he had submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The demonstrations were spearheaded by the Cockroach Janta Party, a newly formed political movement that emerged after controversial remarks by India’s chief justice comparing unemployed youth to cockroaches. The protests quickly evolved into a broader campaign demanding accountability over alleged exam paper leaks and reforms to the country’s education system.
Earlier this week, police in New Delhi used tear gas and batons to disperse demonstrators attempting to march towards Parliament, escalating tensions between protesters and security forces.
News of Pradhan’s resignation sparked celebrations among thousands of protesters gathered at Jantar Mantar, where movement leaders described the development as a significant victory for students across the country.
“This is only the beginning,” said the movement’s founder, Abhijeet Dipke, while thanking students and volunteers who had maintained demonstrations for more than a month.
Opposition leaders also welcomed the resignation. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge called it a “victory for millions of young people” who had demanded transparency and accountability in the education system. He urged Prime Minister Modi to apologise to students and ensure action against those responsible for the alleged use of force against peaceful demonstrators.
Following discussions with government representatives, the Cockroach Janta Party announced it was ending the nationwide protests after claiming its key demands had been accepted.
Party spokesperson Saurav Das said the movement was suspending its agitation in good faith, while another spokesman, Ashutosh Ranka, urged demonstrators to return home peacefully.
According to the movement, the government agreed to consider a comprehensive five-point education reform plan, provide the highest possible compensation to families affected by paper leak-related suicides, and withdraw legal cases filed against protesters.
The controversy erupted after authorities cancelled the results of major entrance examinations due to alleged paper leaks. Reports indicate that at least 11 examination aspirants died by suicide following the cancellation, intensifying public pressure for sweeping reforms.
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