Several students taking part in the CJP protests on Saturday said they hope the change in leadership at the Education Ministry will lead to concrete changes in the system. With Dharmendra Pradhan no longer heading the ministry, students said they want action on long-standing concerns over exam transparency, the cost of education and the condition of government schools.
Across the protest site, three demands came up repeatedly: a transparent exam system, affordable and quality education, and stronger government schools with greater focus on primary education. Students said the change of minister was only a beginning and that deeper reforms were needed.
Raj Yadav from Ghaziabad, who has been part of the sit-in since the protest began nearly a month ago, said the government must carry out broad reforms. “I demand that the new minister focus on the education system. He should bring about changes across the entire system, address its flaws, and ensure it operates effectively,” he said.
Srishti, a resident of Laxmi Nagar in east Delhi, said the high cost of education had made studying difficult for many students. She said she had to work to fund her own education and that the impact of a paper leak was far-reaching. She urged the new minister to ensure enough teachers are appointed in all schools, make education affordable and stress skill development for children in government schools.
Vikram Chaudhary from Rajasthan, who has been participating in the protest for at least a fortnight, said reforms should begin at the primary school level. He called for better quality education in government schools, a higher education budget and improved facilities for preparing for competitive exams such as UPSC, NEET and JEE. “Education has become very expensive in this country. The government needs to address this seriously,” Chaudhary said.
Shaurya, a Class 11 student preparing for NEET, said Pradhan’s resignation had given him hope. “I am happy that our voices have been heard. I am confident that the new Education Minister will not allow incidents like paper leaks to happen again,” he said.
Gaurav Tomar, a resident of Baghpat in Uttar Pradesh who has been part of the protest since July 20, demanded stronger primary education, greater promotion of skill development in government schools and steps to check rising education costs. “Education is not a business; it is every child’s right, and they must receive it,” he said.
Shravan Kumar, a resident of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, said students should not be made to take re-exams repeatedly and that issues such as exam centres being allotted in remote areas must be resolved.
– Ends
Published By:
India Today Web Desk
Published On:
Jul 26, 2026 08:54 IST
