NEET Paper Leak Row: CJP, Centre Hold Crucial Third Round of Talks Today

NEET paper leak row: CJP, Centre to hold crucial third round of talks today; focus remains on Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation

The Centre and the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) are set to hold the third round of talks on Saturday as efforts continue to end the nationwide agitation over the alleged NEET paper leak and examination irregularities. The meeting assumes significance after the government accepted two of the protesters’ demands but sought more time to decide on the CJP’s demand for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation.

Government seeks more time on resignation demand

After Friday’s meeting, Union Health Minister JP Nadda said the CJP delegation had submitted three key demands along with five suggestions aimed at reforming the examination system.

He said the government was carefully examining all the proposals and reiterated its commitment to preventing future paper leaks through structural reforms.

“We have told them that we will meet them again tomorrow afternoon and share the outcome of the government’s deliberations,” Nadda said after the talks.

CJP firm on Pradhan’s resignation

CJP leaders Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das maintained that the demand for Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation remains non-negotiable.

The leaders said the protest would continue until the Education Minister stepped down, arguing that political accountability was essential in the wake of repeated examination irregularities.

Government unlikely to concede

Despite continued pressure from protesters, government sources indicated that Pradhan’s resignation is not being considered.

According to the sources, the Centre believes that replacing the minister would not resolve the underlying issues. Instead, the focus is on overhauling the examination system, strengthening safeguards and ensuring greater transparency in the functioning of the National Testing Agency (NTA).

Opposition backs resignation demand

The demand for Pradhan’s resignation has also been echoed by Opposition parties during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament.

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi said the Opposition was prepared to participate in a discussion on the examination controversy if the Education Minister resigned, keeping the issue at the centre of parliamentary proceedings.

Tougher legal framework planned

Alongside administrative reforms, the Centre is preparing stricter legal measures to tackle paper leak cases. The proposed framework includes the creation of fast-track courts for speedy trials, longer jail terms and significantly higher financial penalties for those involved in organised examination fraud.

With both sides holding firm on their positions, Saturday’s meeting is expected to play a key role in determining whether the ongoing deadlock can be resolved or if the protests will continue.