The Union Government on Friday engaged in a second-round of high-stakes discussions with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) amid the ongoing student protests over the alleged NEET UG 2026 paper leak. The CJP claimed the Centre has sought additional time to respond to its demand for either the resignation or dismissal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
CJP spokespersons Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das met Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh in New Delhi as part of continued negotiations aimed at resolving the weeks-long agitation seeking educational reforms and accountability for alleged examination irregularities.
Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das (Left to Right)
Centre has sought time till Saturday noon: Ranka
Ranka, in an interaction with media-persons after the meeting, said the Centre had requested time until Saturday noon before taking a final call on the demand concerning the Education Minister.
He added, “Dharmendra Pradhan needs to resign or be removed from office. We discussed this issue at length with the Union Government. It has sought time until tomorrow noon to respond to this demand.”
He further cautioned that any delay in addressing the issue could result in intensification of the ongoing agitations.
Govt agrees ‘In Principle’ to 2 demands
The CJP leadership claimed that the government had, in principle, accepted two of the organisation’s principal demands during the discussions.
According to Ranka, the Centre expressed its willingness to consider providing financial aid to the families of those NEET aspirants who allegedly died by suicide and to withdraw legal action initiated against students participating in the stirs.
Speaking separately, CJP spokesperson Saurav Das said the delegation had placed three demands before the government. These included the resignation or removal of Minister Pradhan, payment of Rs 1 crore as compensation to the families of the students who allegedly ended their lives in connection with the NEET UG 2026 paper leak row, and the withdrawal of all FIRs and legal proceedings registered against the protesting students.
A still from the CJP protest
He asserted, “The government has expressed in-principle approval for compensation to the bereaved families and the withdrawal of FIRs and legal cases against students.”
He too said the Centre has sought time until Saturday afternoon to arrive at a decision on the third and most contentious demand concerning Minister Pradhan’s future.
Cabinet greenlights paper leak bill
Meanwhile, even as discussions with the protestors continued, the Union Cabinet reportedly gave nod to the proposed legislation aimed at revving up the legal framework against examination paper leaks and organised cheating.
The Bill, which is expected to be introduced in Parliament next week, is likely to include stricter provisions against exam fraud, including stringent penalties and measures to expedite the prosecution of offenders.