'Only Pradhan's Resignation': What Happened at the Third CJP-Government Meeting on NEET
- Jul 24
- 2 min read
CJP reaffirmed Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation as its non-negotiable demand after the third NEET protest meeting with the Centre.
By Pranjal Gupta
New Delhi, July 24: Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk concluded his hunger strike on Thursday midnight, while students' protests continued at Jantar Mantar. Following a two-hour meeting with Union Health Minister J P Nadda, representatives of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) said their primary demand remains the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, under whose tenure the NEET-UG examination paper leak occurred. They also alleged that nearly 20 students died by suicide due to the stress caused by the controversy.
On Friday, CJP spokespersons reiterated that Pradhan's resignation was a "non-negotiable" demand. They also said the police administration should publicly apologise to students who they alleged were subjected to brutal treatment during the peaceful protest on July 20.
Concluding the July 24 meeting, Union Minister J P Nadda said the Centre would hold another round of talks with CJP representatives.
"We told the Union ministers that our demand for the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan is
non-negotiable," Das told reporters after the meeting.
The CJP, which has been spearheading the protests at Jantar Mantar since June 20, was also represented by its spokesperson, Ashutosh Ranka.
Besides seeking Rs 1 crore in compensation for the families of the students who allegedly died by suicide, Das said the CJP was also demanding that all FIRs registered against protesters be withdrawn.
In a letter to the government, the CJP outlined its position.
It acknowledged the "government's eagerness to find a mutually beneficial solution" and said, "Over the last few days, we have held extensive consultations with supporters and members across the country, as well as protesters at Jantar Mantar. We have arrived at a clear consensus that our demands, namely the resignation of Mr Dharmendra Pradhan, Rs 1 crore compensation for NEET victims, and no legal action against protesters, are non-negotiable."
"Furthermore, the Government of India, the head of the Rapid Action Force, and the Delhi Police Commissioner ought to publicly apologise to the students who were brutally thrashed by their forces," the letter said.
The organisation also urged the government to accept its demands at the earliest, warning that if they were not met, the movement would only grow bigger and spread across the country.
"Further, we would appreciate the government's response to our five-point demand charter on examination reforms. The charter will prove critical in bringing about the larger structural reforms needed in the education system," the letter stated.
This was the third official meeting between the CJP and the government.
(With Agency Inputs)
