ARA MP DEMANDS EDUCATION MINISTER RESIGNATION IN LOK SABHA

ARA MP DEMANDS EDUCATION MINISTER RESIGNATION IN LOK SABHA

21-JULY-ENG 6

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA--------------------------Extending support to the ongoing student protests at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, Sudama Prasad, the MP from Arrah, demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in the Lok Sabha today.

Speaking during the Zero Hour of the Lok Sabha's Monsoon Session, MP Sudama Prasad stated that a deep crisis has emerged for lakhs of students and job aspirants due to recurring incidents of question paper leaks, the frequent cancellation of recruitment exams, long-standing vacancies in government departments, and delays in recruitment processes. This is continuously eroding employment and future opportunities for the country's youth.

He noted that students are staging continuous protests at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. The protesters are demanding the dissolution of the National Testing Agency (NTA), the resignation of the Union Education Minister, and the withdrawal of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk, along with students Neha, Manish, and Aamin, are observing an indefinite hunger strike in support of these demands.

The MP stated that although the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, has been enacted, incidents of examination irregularities and question paper leaks continue to surface. This has cast serious doubt on the credibility of recruitment processes. Due to the repeated cancellation of recruitment exams and excessive delays in appointments, thousands of eligible candidates have crossed the age limit before being appointed, thereby permanently losing their employment opportunities.

He added that this prolonged uncertainty has imposed a severe financial burden and mental stress on the candidates. Incidents of student suicides and rising mental health issues underscore the gravity of this crisis and the need for immediate government accountability.

MP Sudama Prasad demanded that the government fix moral and administrative responsibility for the recurring question paper leaks by removing Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan from his post, dissolving the National Testing Agency (NTA), and withdrawing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.