Centre assures Parliament debate on exam reforms, considers compensation for affected families, and promises no legal action against peaceful student protesters
New Delhi: Climate activist and educationist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike after the Centre provided a written assurance that issues relating to accountability in India’s examination system and measures to prevent paper leaks would be discussed in Parliament.
Announcing the decision on social media, Wangchuk wrote, “END OF HUNGER… BEGINNING OF ACCOUNTABILITY…!” He said he had ended his fast after receiving assurances from the government and Members of Parliament across political parties that the issue of accountability in the country’s examination system would be debated on the floor of Parliament.
According to the Centre’s written assurance, the government is also positively considering compensation for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the recent NEET-UG paper leak controversy. It further assured that no legal cases would be registered against students and youths who participated peacefully in the protests at Jantar Mantar and the July 20 ‘Chalo Sansad’ march.
Wangchuk said he had insisted on receiving a written commitment before ending his fast and thanked the government for responding to the concerns raised by students and peaceful protesters.
In his statement, he added that the government’s assurances marked “the beginning of accountability”, while urging supporters to continue pursuing reforms through peaceful and democratic means.
Wangchuk had been on an indefinite hunger strike since June 28, demanding accountability over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak and comprehensive reforms to India’s examination system. His protest drew support from Members of Parliament across party lines, student organisations and civil society groups.
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