Resignation Is Not the End; The BJP Must Answer for the NEET Crisis

The Social Democratic Party of India congratulates the students and youth across the country whose determined, united and peaceful struggle has culminated in the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Their resilience has defeated the arrogance and authoritarianism of the BJP government and reaffirmed the enduring strength of democracy and the power of the people. The Minister’s resignation is an admission of responsibility for the grave failures that shattered the hopes of millions of aspirants. It also proves that no matter how powerful those in authority may be, sustained and organised public protest can hold them accountable.

The BJP cannot escape responsibility by sacrificing one minister. The NEET crisis is the consequence of administrative failure, institutional collapse and the Union government’s persistent disregard for the concerns raised by students over the years. Justice must be ensured for students. Adequate compensation must be provided to the families of students who died by suicide. All cases registered against protesters must be withdrawn, and everyone responsible for the NEET scandal must be brought to justice. The government must also accept SDPI’s long standing demand to scrap NEET and similar examination systems and implement comprehensive reforms in the public examination system.

M.K. Faizy
National President
Social Democratic Party of India