SFI Protests in Proddatur, Demands Union Education Minister’s Resignation over NEET Paper Leak

Proddatur, AP: The Students’ Federation of India (SFI) staged a protest in front of the Deputy District Educational Officer (DEO) office in Proddatur on Friday, demanding the immediate resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET paper leak. The student body also urged the Central Government to respond to the ongoing hunger strike by social activist Sonam Wangchuk and initiate dialogue with him.

SFI alleges failure to paper leaks

Addressing the protest, SFI Proddatur Town President Charles and Secretary Madhu alleged that repeated examination paper leaks, particularly NEET, exposed the failure of the National Testing Agency (NTA). They claimed that the recurring incidents had severely affected the aspirations of lakhs of students and their parents. The SFI leaders further alleged that the Centre should take responsibility for the alleged irregularities and demanded that the Union Education Minister step down.

Concerns raised over Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike

The protesters also criticised the Central Government for not responding to the hunger strike being undertaken by environmentalist and social activist Sonam Wangchuk. They expressed concern over his reported health condition and urged the government to hold talks with him and address his demands. The SFI leaders said the Centre should ensure an early resolution to the issue and warned that it would be responsible for any adverse consequences arising from the prolonged fast.

Warning of intensified agitation

The student organisation warned that if its demands were not met, it would intensify its agitation by mobilising students from across the district, state and country to protest against the Union Education Minister. Student leaders Pranav, Raghu and Mahendra also participated in the protest.