Arabic version: استقالة وزير التعليم الهندي بعد احتجاجات على تسريب الامتحانات

According to ABC News, Indian Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned after nationwide protests over the country’s education system and ongoing exam paper leaks. In a letter published on X on Saturday, he said he had “took responsibility” for the leaking of India’s national medical entrance exam in May.

The leak prompted the cancellation of results and a government-ordered retest affecting two million young people. Mr Pradhan said his resignation was sent to the prime minister with consideration for the situation at Jantar Mantar and elsewhere, the unity of the country, and students’ futures. He said he respected the aspirations, feelings and legitimate expectations of India’s youth.

The Cockroach Janta Party, or CJP, had called for Mr Pradhan’s resignation for months. Thousands of people took to the streets of New Delhi this week and tried to march on parliament. Authorities used batons, tear gas and smoke bombs to disperse crowds, while local media reported that more than 100 people were hospitalised.

After Mr Pradhan’s resignation, protesters celebrated at Jantar Mantar, shouting “Jai Hind” as the national anthem played. CJP leaders ended their 36-day occupation of the official protest site and asked demonstrators to go home. Spokesman Saurav Das said the group was withdrawing its agitation in good faith.

The CJP said the government agreed to withdraw charges against protesters in Delhi and BJP-ruled states, guarantee no legal action against organisers, provide compensation to families of students who died by suicide following earlier leaks, and consider a four-point plan for exam and education reform. Mr Pradhan, 57, had served as education minister for more than five years and was one of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s most senior cabinet ministers.