The Central Government and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Friday held a crucial third round of talks in an effort to resolve the ongoing agitation over the alleged NEET 2026 paper leak. While both sides have continued discussions over the past week, the demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan remains the biggest hurdle to reaching an agreement.
Government representatives are understood to have sought additional time to consider the demand, while CJP leaders have maintained that accountability at the highest level is essential for restoring public confidence in the examination system.
Pradhan’s Resignation Remains the Core Demand
According to CJP leaders, the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan is a non-negotiable demand. The organisation argues that ministerial accountability is necessary following allegations surrounding the NEET examination and has stated that meaningful progress cannot be achieved unless this issue is addressed.
Government officials, however, have not indicated any willingness to accept the demand immediately. Instead, they have requested more time while continuing dialogue with protest representatives.
Government Highlights Reform Measures
The talks come shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a series of reforms aimed at strengthening India’s examination system. These include:
- Establishment of fast-track courts for paper leak cases.
- Tougher penalties for those involved in examination fraud.
- Structural reforms within the National Testing Agency (NTA).
- Measures to improve transparency and accountability in public examinations.
The Centre has presented these initiatives as significant steps toward preventing future examination irregularities, but CJP leaders have reiterated that their principal demand remains unchanged.
Protests Continue at Jantar Mantar
Even as negotiations continue, demonstrations at Jantar Mantar have not been called off. Protest organisers have said the movement will continue peacefully until their demands are met, including action against those responsible for the alleged paper leak and broader reforms in the education system.
Security remains tight around the protest venue, with Delhi Police maintaining extensive deployment and surveillance following earlier incidents of violence and clashes.
Further Discussions Expected
Despite the absence of a breakthrough in the third round of talks, both sides have agreed to continue discussions. Officials described the dialogue as constructive, but acknowledged that differences remain over the issue of ministerial accountability. Another round of negotiations is expected as efforts continue to resolve the impasse.
Focus Remains on Finding a Resolution
The ongoing negotiations represent the government’s latest attempt to end one of the country’s most closely watched student movements. While the Centre has announced multiple reforms and expressed its willingness to continue dialogue, the demand for Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation remains the central point of disagreement.
The outcome of the next round of discussions is expected to determine whether both sides can move toward a negotiated settlement or whether the protests will continue in the coming days.
