Modi government rejects calls for Education Minister's resignation

The Indian government has firmly rejected demands for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan amid nationwide protests over the alleged NEET medical entrance examination paper leak and other irregularities.

According to NDTV, citing senior government sources, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government has made it clear that there is no question of the 57-year-old minister stepping down and that he continues to enjoy the government's full support.

The protesting Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and student groups have maintained that the resignation or removal of the education minister is their primary condition for ending the demonstrations. However, government sources have categorically ruled out the demand.

"Seeking a resignation is the easiest decision. But we have a responsibility entrusted to us by the people, and we will fulfil it," a senior government official told NDTV.

The government also said it is preparing a comprehensive assessment of the shortcomings within the National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducts the examination. It added that measures to permanently address the identified flaws will be announced soon.

According to official sources, several groups allegedly involved in the paper leak have already been arrested, and their networks have been dismantled. The government said the process of taking tougher action against those responsible is continuing.