India PM Modi Calls for Foolproof Exam System Amid Youth Protests Over Leaked Papers
NEW DELHI: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the need for a robust public examination system on Tuesday, following violent clashes between police and supporters of the youth-led “Cockroach Janta Party” (CJP) during a protest against question paper leaks. This incident occurred just a day after thousands marched towards parliament demanding accountability from the government.
Modi’s remarks, conveyed through Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, marked his first public comment on the issue since the May leak of question papers for a national medical entrance test. The incident has sparked significant unrest, becoming a major challenge for Modi during his third term in office.
On Monday, demonstrators called for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, citing the leaks that impacted over two million students and reportedly led to several tragic suicides. The Delhi Police reported that nearly 180 individuals, including 118 law enforcement personnel and 60 protesters, sustained injuries during the confrontations in central Delhi.
The CJP’s founder stated that more than 150 protesters were receiving medical treatment. Independent verification of the reported injuries remains unconfirmed, although accounts describe police using batons and tear gas to disperse the crowd.
In response to the unrest, Modi assured lawmakers that the government acted swiftly upon receiving reports of the exam irregularities, resulting in the arrest and imprisonment of 13 individuals. He also noted that a re-examination was conducted without delays in results.
“The prime minister stated that to safeguard the future of the youth, there must be unity in enforcing strict measures, punishing those responsible, and establishing a foolproof system,” Rijiju reported.
Protesters Announce Halt to Marches
The CJP movement has declared its intention to persist with anti-government protests but will refrain from marching on parliament due to fears of further police violence against supporters. Thousands had gathered on Monday, joining a movement that originated as an online satire.
The CJP, which has garnered support from millions of young Indians, asserts that the May question paper leaks signify entrenched corruption within the education system. On Tuesday, approximately 500 protesters convened at Jantar Mantar in central Delhi, chanting slogans amid light rain. Security measures remained stringent, with paramilitary forces patrolling certain areas and barricades affecting traffic flow.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke expressed regret for the injuries sustained by protesters, particularly women, who he claimed were assaulted by police. The Delhi Police characterized the demonstrators’ actions as “unruly, aggressive, and violent,” alleging that they violated prohibitory orders despite prior warnings.
The movement gained momentum following the support of activist Sonam Wangchuk, who initiated a hunger strike on June 28. Wangchuk was forcibly relocated to a hospital by police over the weekend.
Court Approves Transfer of Activist to Private Hospital
On Tuesday, the Delhi High Court permitted the transfer of Wangchuk to a private hospital from a state-run facility, following a petition from his wife alleging illegal detention. This court ruling addresses one of the three demands put forth by the protesters.
Health Minister J.P. Nadda has requested time to discuss these demands with government officials after meeting with two CJP leaders on Monday. The protesters’ demands include Wangchuk’s release, Pradhan’s resignation, and compensation of 10 million rupees (approximately $104,000) for each of the students who died by suicide following the paper leaks.
Nadda visited a state-run hospital in Delhi on Tuesday to meet with protesters receiving treatment. The CJP’s rising popularity reflects widespread frustrations among young Indians, who face challenges such as job shortages and frequent examination leaks.
Dipke and his supporters initiated a sit-in last month, calling for Pradhan’s resignation.
Source: www.emirates247.com
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Published on 2026-07-21 14:17:00 • By the Editorial Desk
