Key facts
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for a foolproof public examination system.
- Widespread protests erupted over question paper leaks affecting over two million students.
- Clashes between protesters and police resulted in nearly 180 injuries.
- 13 individuals have been arrested and jailed for exam irregularities.
- The youth-led 'cockroach' movement will continue protesting but will not march on Parliament again.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for the establishment of a foolproof public examination system following widespread protests against question paper leaks. The comments came after supporters of the youth-led "cockroach" movement clashed with police during a march on Parliament. The leaks have affected over two million students and led to demands for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
During the protests on July 20, nearly 180 people, including 118 security personnel and 60 protesters, were injured. The founder of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) stated that over 150 protesters required hospital treatment. Police reported that protesters displayed "unruly, aggressive and violent behaviour" and violated prohibitory orders.
Modi informed lawmakers that the government had taken immediate action on exam irregularities, leading to the arrest and jailing of 13 individuals. He also noted that a re-examination was successfully conducted without delaying results. The Prime Minister emphasized the need for unity to implement strict measures, punish the guilty, and create a robust system to protect the future of the youth.
The CJP movement, which began as an online satire, has garnered support from millions of young Indians. They claim the paper leaks signify deep-seated corruption in the education system. Despite the Prime Minister's call for reform, the CJP announced they would continue their anti-government protest but would not march on Parliament again, citing concerns about police brutality against their supporters.
Activist Sonam Wangchuk, who began a hunger strike on June 28, was forcibly moved to a hospital by authorities on July 18. On July 21, the Delhi High Court permitted his transfer to a private hospital, fulfilling one of the protesters' demands.