Government Stands Firm on Education Minister's Position Amid NEET Paper Leak Controversy

The government has firmly stated that there is no question of resignation for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan amidst the ongoing NEET paper leak controversy. The 'Cockroach People’s Party' (CJP) continues to demand his resignation while the government focuses on addressing systemic issues within the National Testing Agency. With protests escalating, the CJP has outlined non-negotiable demands, including compensation for affected families and legal immunity for protesters. The situation remains tense as the government pledges to implement necessary reforms and tackle the networks behind the paper leak.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 24, 2026, 17:00 IST

Government's Stance on Minister's Resignation

In light of the NEET-UG paper leak controversy, the government has made it clear that there is no question of resignation for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Official sources have taken a strong stance, stating that resigning is not an option. According to these sources, stepping down to evade responsibility is the easiest route, but the government is committed to fulfilling its mandate and improving the system rather than fleeing from challenges. The entire party stands united behind Dharmendra Pradhan.

CJP's Demands and Government's Response

This situation poses a significant challenge for the 'Cockroach People’s Party' (CJP), which has been protesting at Jantar Mantar, demanding Pradhan's resignation over the NEET paper leak and related issues. Sources indicate that instead of taking superficial measures, the government is focusing on addressing the systemic flaws within the National Testing Agency (NTA). A comprehensive list of the agency's shortcomings has been compiled, and reforms are expected to be implemented soon. The government has also highlighted its ongoing actions against the networks involved in the paper leak, revealing that several gangs have been uncovered, with further actions against those involved in the pipeline.

CJP's Continued Pressure on the Government

The government's statement comes at a time when the CJP, leading protests against the NEET paper leak and exam irregularities, reiterated that Pradhan's resignation is a non-negotiable demand. During a two-hour meeting at the Vitthalbhai Patel House with central ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh, CJP representatives insisted that they would not back down from their demand for Pradhan's resignation. The organization also called for a public apology from the central government, the Rapid Action Force, and the Delhi Police Commissioner for alleged police brutality against protesters during the 'Parliament Chalo' march on Monday. CJP spokesperson Saurabh Das stated that the organization is demanding ₹1 crore in compensation for the families of students who committed suicide following the cancellation of the NEET exam on May 3, the withdrawal of FIRs against protesters, and acceptance of their five-point charter for exam reforms.

CJP's Ultimatum to the Government

In a letter submitted to the government, the CJP outlined that after discussions with supporters and protesters nationwide, they have concluded that their demands—including Pradhan's resignation, compensation for NEET victims' families, and legal immunity for protesters—are non-negotiable. The organization has warned that if their demands are not met, the movement will intensify and spread across the country.