Goa CM Critiques Recent Student Protests Over NEET Exam

Chief Minister's Remarks on Student Protests

On July 29, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant expressed his views on the recent student protests in Goa regarding the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), labeling the movement as having descended to an 'intellectually lowest level.' Speaking at the inauguration of the 'Goa Education Summit 2026' in Panaji, he noted that the demands for the release of student activist Umar Khalid diverted the protests from their original purpose. Sawant acknowledged the democratic right of students to protest but emphasized that the behavior and messages observed during the recent demonstrations were not representative of genuine student movements.

In the backdrop of nationwide protests concerning irregularities in the examination system and alleged NEET paper leaks, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned from his position on July 25.

Last week, Goa police detained two individuals in Panaji for allegedly celebrating Pradhan's resignation while supporting Khalid, who has been imprisoned in connection with the 2020 Northeast Delhi riots.

The police also questioned the organizers of two protests in Mapusa and Panaji demanding Pradhan's resignation. Sawant reiterated, 'Students have every right to protest. I can understand the opposition regarding NEET.'

However, he criticized the nature of the actions and thoughts displayed during the protests, stating that such behavior could not be associated with students. 'Many of us have participated in student movements in the past, but none have stooped to such an intellectually low level,' he remarked, questioning why Khalid's issue was raised during protests focused on NEET.

Sawant further inquired, 'I can understand the protests regarding NEET. Dharmendra Pradhan has worked for the benefit of students and the nation. But who is Umar Khalid? Why should posters demanding his release be displayed during protests against NEET?' He highlighted the incongruity of showing support for Khalid, who was arrested in connection with the Delhi riots, at the Azad Maidan in Goa. The Chief Minister stressed, 'Who are these people? We must awaken our students; otherwise, such actions will disrupt communal harmony.'

He also alleged that individuals from outside Goa were brought in to participate in the protests and urged the public to review the protest videos.