Indian youth celebrate minister’s exit, vow to keep pushing for education reforms

Thousands of Indian youth celebrated the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan after nationwide protests forced his exit following the cancellation of the National Eligibility‑cum‑Entrance Test (NEET) amid allegations of a leaked question paper. The scandal affected nearly two million candidates and was linked to a series of student suicides. Protests, largely organized on Instagram, gained momentum after police removed educator Sonam Wangchuk, who had been on a hunger strike demanding broader education reforms. Activists say the minister’s exit shows that collective action can win concessions under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, but they warn of possible reprisals, noting over 100 protesters have been charged and more than 40 arrested. They also point to deeper problems: repeated paper leaks, the growing privatization of schools and universities, and rising youth unemployment, which rose to 16.2 % in June 2026 from 13.8 % a year earlier. For Nigerians, the episode highlights how social‑media‑driven mobilization can pressure officials on issues like exam malpractice, university funding, and job creation. It also underscores the need to safeguard activists from backlash while pushing for sustained reforms in education and employment.

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/07/27/indian-youths-celebrate-ministers-exit-demand-more-reforms/