PM Modi Calls for Accountability in Exam System
Munish Sood
Mandi
Activist Sonam Wangchuk on Thursday ended his 26-day hunger strike after the Centre assured action on key issues linked to the alleged NEET paper leak controversy, including a parliamentary discussion on examination accountability, compensation for families of students who died by suicide, and protection for peaceful protesters.
Wangchuk, who had been fasting since June 28 at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged examination scandal, described the end of his fast as “the beginning of accountability.”
In a video message released after ending his fast, Wangchuk said the breakthrough came after nearly two days of discussions with the government. “Finally we got it from the government,” he said, adding that the assurances marked an important step towards ensuring greater accountability in the country’s examination system.
According to Wangchuk, the government has agreed to raise the issue of accountability in the examination system in Parliament, provide adequate compensation to the families of students who allegedly died by suicide in connection with the NEET paper leak controversy, and ensure that no legal action is initiated against those who participated in peaceful protests at Jantar Mantar or the Parliament march held on July 20.
The fast was formally concluded at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, where Wangchuk was admitted after the Delhi High Court permitted his transfer from Safdarjung Hospital following concerns over his deteriorating health. Visuals released by his team showed Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Dr. Jitendra Singh offering him juice to break the fast, while Nadda read out the government’s written assurances.
Expressing gratitude, Wangchuk thanked those who supported his campaign, making special mention of his wife, Gitanjali Angmo, for standing by him throughout the protest.
Hours after the fast ended, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished Wangchuk a speedy recovery and urged him to follow medical advice. In a message posted on X, the Prime Minister said he prayed for Wangchuk’s good health and hoped he would regain his normal weight soon.
Earlier, the Prime Minister had also reiterated the government’s commitment to tackling examination paper leaks, stating that those responsible had been arrested and that fast-track legal proceedings had been initiated. He said the government was determined to protect students’ interests while ensuring strict action against those involved in compromising the integrity of public examinations.
Wangchuk’s hunger strike, which drew national attention, has placed renewed focus on examination reforms and accountability, with the issue now expected to be taken up in Parliament following the government’s assurances.
