Students in Jaipur gathered at Shaheed Smarak to celebrate the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. They expressed that their protest would persist until the Centre officially accepts the resignation. Initially a demonstration against the use of force on protesters at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, the gathering evolved into a jubilant occasion with students singing, dancing, and chanting slogans.
The protesters emphasized that their movement extends beyond the minister’s resignation. They called for increased transparency in the examination system and strict actions against those involved in paper leak incidents. Amidst student discontent over alleged irregularities in competitive exams, including paper leaks, student leader Shubham Rewar has been on a hunger strike at Rajasthan University’s main gate for three days.
During the protest, Rewar highlighted that their demand is not just about the minister’s resignation but also about reinstating student union elections in Rajasthan. He affirmed that the hunger strike would persist until their demands are met. In response to escalating protests, the Rajasthan government has heightened security measures statewide.
Chief Secretary V. Srinivas and Director General of Police Rajiv Kumar Sharma have instructed all District Collectors and Superintendents of Police to be on high alert. Officials are closely monitoring social media, protest activities, and are prepared to take swift action to maintain law and order. Additional police forces have been stationed at various locations, including Rajasthan University and Shaheed Smarak, identified as potential protest sites.
The student movement, originating in Delhi over exam-related concerns, is gaining traction in Rajasthan. The demands include accountability in paper leak cases and reforms in the recruitment and examination systems.
