Dharmendra Pradhan won't resign, run away from responsibility: Govt sources

The government has ruled out the possibility of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigning over the NEET-UG paper leak row, with government sources saying that stepping down would be the easiest thing to do and would amount to running away from responsibility.

According to government sources, there is "no question" of Pradhan resigning. "Resigning and running away from responsibility will be the easiest thing to do. People have given us the mandate, and we will deliver," they said.

The government, the sources added, is focused on fixing systemic issues within the National Testing Agency (NTA) instead of taking symbolic steps. A comprehensive list of shortcomings in the examination body has been prepared, and corrective measures are expected to be rolled out soon.

The sources also highlighted the government's ongoing crackdown on paper leak networks, saying multiple gangs involved in exam paper leaks have already been busted. They added that further action against those involved is in the pipeline.

The government's assertion came on a day when the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which has been spearheading protests over the NEET paper leak and examination irregularities, reiterated that Pradhan's resignation remained a non-negotiable demand.

During a two-hour meeting with Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh at Vithalbhai Patel House on Friday, CJP representatives told the government they would not back down from their demand for Pradhan's resignation. The outfit also sought a public apology from the Centre, the Rapid Action Force and the Delhi Police Commissioner for the alleged police brutality against protesters during Monday's 'Sansad Chalo' march.

CJP spokesperson Saurav Das said the organisation also demanded Rs 1 crore compensation for the families of students who died by suicide following the cancellation of the May 3 NEET examination, withdrawal of FIRs against protesters, and acceptance of its five-point charter on examination reforms.

In a letter submitted to the government, the CJP said it had consulted supporters and protesters across the country before concluding that its demands -- including Pradhan's resignation, compensation for NEET victims' families and immunity from legal action for protesters -- were non-negotiable. It warned that the agitation would intensify and spread nationwide if the demands were not accepted.

Nadda said the government had heard the CJP's demands and would respond after considering them. He said both sides would meet again on Saturday. Friday's meeting was the third round of formal talks between the government and the protest group.

The meeting came hours after activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike following government assurances on his key demands. It also coincided with the Centre's move to tighten the legal framework against exam fraud.

In a late-night address on Thursday, PM Modi announced that the government would introduce a Bill in Parliament next week to provide for stringent action against paper leaks. Hours later, the Union Cabinet today approved the draft legislation proposing tougher punishments for those involved in examination fraud.

Despite the continuing talks, the CJP has maintained that its protest at Jantar Mantar will continue until Pradhan resigns, while the government has made it clear that its focus will remain on reforming the examination system and prosecuting those behind paper leak rackets rather than replacing the minister.