Govt rules out Pradhan's resignation amid protests over NEET row: Sources

Nationwide student protests over the NEET paper leaks and police violence have expanded across Indian cities including Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Jodhpur, and Bhopal. Demonstrators are demanding the resignation of the Union Education Minister, compensation for families of affected students, and the dismissal of legal cases against peaceful protesters. Discussions between student organization representatives and senior government officials reached a deadlock after the administration refused the education minister's resignation, claiming it evades responsibility.

In response to the agitation, the central government initiated administrative changes by replacing the Higher Education Secretary and approving public examination law amendments with penalties up to ten crore rupees alongside fast-track courts. An India Today investigation confirmed pellet gun usage during a July 20 Delhi protest, referencing medical records from Safdarjung Hospital. Elsewhere, central Delhi experienced metro closures and internet disruptions, an activist concluded a 26-day hunger strike after assurances of parliamentary discussions on exam reforms, and heavy rainfall triggered severe flooding across Gujarat, submerging areas and displacing over 22,000 residents.