Students' protest amidst Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns

Amidst protests across the country over the NET paper leak controversy and police action on students, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned on Saturday. The student protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi is ongoing, during which Pradhan decided to step down from his post.

In his resignation, Pradhan wrote that he has always had unwavering faith in the strength and leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Respecting the aspirations, dreams, and expectations of the youth is his resolve. The youth of India are not only the future of the country but also the architects and craftsmen of a new and vibrant India.

Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said that the events of the past ten days have saddened him. It is not a matter of personal dignity for him, but the country's youth power is its real strength and will not be trapped in any kind of conspiracy. After careful consideration, he has resolved that the country's position will not be weakened, broken, or bowed down by any power.

Pradhan said that he will continue to perform his duties to further strengthen the power of the country's youth and the trust of the people under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He thanked the Prime Minister for his guidance, motivation, and support. Pradhan said that we will all dedicate ourselves to empowering Bharat Mata, Akhand Bharat, and the country's youth power at every level.

It is worth mentioning that on July 20, students led by the Janta Party marched towards Parliament over the NET paper leak issue. The police baton-charged the peacefully protesting students, fired tear gas shells, and allegedly used pellet guns. Over 100 students and several police personnel were injured in the clashes. Since then, the student protests have intensified.

On July 22, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi presented statistics at a press conference and said that in the last ten years, 152 question papers have been leaked in the country, affecting the future of around 7.5 crore students. On the same day, he staged a dharna outside the Prime Minister's residence, where he was detained. On July 23, Rahul Gandhi and members of the India Alliance Parliament marched with candles at Gandhi Smriti and protested.

Meanwhile, the central government has approved a new law to prevent question paper leaks, which includes a commitment to punish the culprits within three months through a fast-track court. It also proposes to impose a penalty of up to 10 years imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs 10 crore on the guilty. The government says that this move is in the interest of the students and is necessary to make the education system transparent.