Wangchuk Ends Fast, Modi Promises Paper Leak Bill!
A series of major political and administrative developments unfolded overnight amid continuing student protests over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike late Thursday after receiving written assurances from the Union government, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that stricter legislation against examination paper leaks would be introduced in Parliament. The government also appointed a new Higher Education Secretary.
Sonam Wangchuk Ends Hunger Strike
Wangchuk, who had begun an indefinite fast on June 28, ended his protest at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram in the presence of Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh.
He described the development as the “end of hunger and beginning of accountability.”
According to the report, the government assured Wangchuk that the paper-leak issue and wider examination reforms would be discussed in Parliament. It also said compensation for families of students who allegedly died by suicide would be considered, and that peaceful protesters would not face action.
Modi Announces Tougher Paper Leak Law
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the Union Cabinet would discuss proposed measures against paper leaks on Friday.
He added that a Bill containing stricter punishment and provisions for fast-track courts would be introduced when the second week of Parliament’s Monsoon Session begins on Monday. The government would then attempt to pass the legislation as quickly as possible.
Opposition Demands Education Minister’s Resignation
The Opposition continued to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticised Modi’s late-night video message and said students were seeking accountability, including action over the treatment of demonstrators.
New Higher Education Secretary Appointed
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet appointed IAS officer Naresh Pal Gangwar as Secretary of the Department of Higher Education.
He replaced Vineet Joshi, who was transferred to serve as Secretary in the Department of Panchayati Raj.
Security Restrictions Continue in Delhi
Security measures around Jantar Mantar and nearby parts of central Delhi continued during the protests.
At least 17 Delhi Metro stations were reportedly closed, while several shops in Connaught Place shut earlier than usual. Police also detained students attempting to join the demonstration, describing the action as preventive.
The protests are expected to continue as student groups demand transparency, accountability and structural reforms in the national examination system.
Comments