Several progressive organisations held a protest in Shivamogga on Monday to show solidarity with social activist Sonam Wangchuk and students who are on hunger strike in Delhi over alleged irregularities related to NEET.
The demonstrators gathered in front of the Deputy Commissioner's Office and called on the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, to intervene as soon as possible in order to protect the health and safety of the protesters.
Demonstration Outside DC Office
The protest was organized by a coalition of progressive organisations, and people were seen carrying placards and raising slogans against the Central Government and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Protesters voiced concern over the hunger strike in Delhi and called for a rapid response to the students’ and activists’ concerns.
The gathering was peaceful under the supervision of the local authorities.
Demand for the President's Intervention
A key demand of the protesters was the immediate intervention of President Droupadi Murmu.
They also asked the President to take necessary steps to ensure the safety of Sonam Wangchuk and the students participating in the hunger strike and to facilitate dialogue to address their concerns.
A memorandum outlining these demands was submitted to the President through the Shivamogga Deputy Commissioner.
Call for the Education Minister's Resignation
Demonstrators also demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who they say is politically responsible for the current situation in NEET.
The protesters held slogans against the Union Government and called for more transparency and accountability in the conduct of national-level competitive examinations.
Memorandum Submitted
Following the demonstration, representatives of the organisations submitted a formal memorandum to district authorities for onward transmission to the President of India.
The memorandum also called for immediate action to deal with the demonstrators’ fears and for the restoration of confidence in the examination system.
Focus on Examination Reforms
The Shivamogga demonstration is representative of broader debates about the integrity of competitive examinations and the need for stronger safeguards against irregularities.
Education experts have always stressed the need for students’ interests to be protected and for examinations to be fair and credible.
The demands for a government response to the protesters have yet to be formally taken into account.
