NEET protests: From PM Modi’s assurance to Sonam Wangchuk ending fast – What happened in last 24 hours

Government Takes Action as NEET Protests Intensify

Theindiapostdaily.com – In response to escalating student demonstrations regarding the NEET examination paper leak, the Union government has implemented several measures within the last day. The primary objective appears to be calming public sentiment while addressing core grievances. Central to these developments is climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who concluded his prolonged hunger strike at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram. His decision came with two Union ministers present.

Leadership Changes and Judicial Measures

Significant administrative shifts occurred alongside the political announcements. The government officially appointed IAS officer Naresh Pal Gangwar to serve as Secretary of the Department of Higher Education. This appointment under the Ministry of Education replaces the outgoing officer, Vineet Joshi, who has been reassigned to the position of Secretary in the Department of Panchayati Raj. The notification confirming this change was released late Thursday evening.

Simultaneously, a specialized judicial mechanism was established. A fast-track Court has been inaugurated at the Rouse Avenue Court facility in the national capital. This development followed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s morning announcement on social media regarding expedited trials for paper leak cases.

Student Demands and Protest Evolution

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) initiated its demonstration on June 20 at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, which remains the central protest location. Participants are calling for the immediate resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Their concerns stem from multiple institutional failures, most notably the compromise of questions in NEET, India’s premier medical entrance examination.

As Friday approached, students across the nation prepared for coordinated actions. Pressure on the education minister continued to mount amid growing calls for accountability.

Prime Minister’s Dual Announcements

Prime Minister Modi addressed the crisis through two separate communications. In a late Thursday video posted to his X account, he characterized the incident as far from insignificant.

“Paper leak is not a minor issue. It has caused immense pain to lakhs of students and their parents,” the prime minister stated.

He further emphasized that those responsible had been apprehended and that his administration was pursuing both accelerated judicial processes and harsh penalties.

“More strict actions against paper leaks to come in tomorrow’s Cabinet,” Modi declared.

Additionally, the government announced preparations for new legislation targeting examination security. A draft Bill outlining provisions for fast-track courts and severe punishments will be reviewed by the Union Cabinet on Friday. Following Cabinet approval, the legislation is expected to be introduced during the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament.

Wangchuk Concludes Fast After Negotiations

Sonam Wangchuk’s 26-day hunger strike came to an end Thursday night at a hospital facility. The conclusion followed extensive discussions regarding various conditions. Union Health Minister JP Nadda and Minister Jitendra Singh witnessed the event.

“This was done following lengthy negotiations over various conditions and in view of possible violence in the country,” Sonam explained in a Thursday night social media post, which included photographs with the Union Ministers.

Prime Minister Modi also addressed Wangchuk’s health recovery directly.

“I pray to the Lord that Sonam ji remains healthy,” Modi wrote late at night, urging the activist to resume normal routines according to medical advice and regain her previous weight promptly.

Government-Student Dialogue Continues

Efforts to engage with protest representatives progressed throughout the day. Union Minister Jitendra Singh extended an invitation to the CJP for additional discussions in the afternoon. The student organization requested a neutral location for the meeting. Current reports indicate that talks will take place at the Constitution Club in central Delhi.

Despite Wangchuk’s decision to end his fast, the CJP expressed concern that the government’s focus remained on remedial measures rather than fundamental solutions. Founder Abhijeet Dipke welcomed the activist’s choice but committed to sustaining demonstrations until Minister Pradhan steps down.

The CJP has maintained that protests will persist until the government accepts three key demands: the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan, compensation of ₹1 crore for families of students who died by suicide, and immunity from prosecution for peaceful demonstrators involved in the July 20 march to Parliament.

(With agency inputs)