Sauhardya Karnataka protests NEET paper leak, expresses solidarity with Sonam Wangchuk

Members of the district unit of Sauhardya Karnataka staged a protest at Jagat Circle in Kalaburagi on July 16, expressing solidarity with environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk, who is on an indefinite hunger strike, and demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET examination paper leak.

Raising slogans against the alleged irregularities in the conduct of the NEET examination, the protesters sought a fair and transparent investigation into the alleged paper leak, and stringent action against those responsible. They alleged that repeated controversies surrounding national-level competitive examinations had eroded the confidence of students and parents.

Activist R.K. Hudgi alleged that the BJP-led Union Government had failed to safeguard the integrity of competitive examinations, thereby jeopardising the future of students. He demanded that those responsible for the alleged irregularities be identified and prosecuted, and reiterated the demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, holding him accountable for the controversy.

Expressing solidarity with Sonam Wangchuk and student organisations participating in the hunger strike, activist Meenakshi Bali urged President Droupadi Murmu to intervene and facilitate a dialogue between the Union Government, Sonam Wangchuk and the protesting student organisations to ensure that their concerns are addressed at the earliest.

Activist K. Neela called for systemic reforms to restore the credibility of national-level entrance examinations. She demanded a transparent and impartial investigation into the alleged NEET examination irregularities, strict action against officials found responsible, and regular medical check-ups for Mr. Wangchuk and those participating in the hunger strike.

The protesters demanded immediate measures to ensure transparency in the conduct of competitive examinations and accountability at every level to prevent recurrence of such alleged irregularities.