SHILLONG/KHLIEHRIAT, July 25: While the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan marks a rare moment of ministerial accountability, student bodies in Meghalaya are warning that a change of face in Delhi means nothing without the immediate decentralisation of NEET centres to district levels and a total overhaul of a “compromised” examination system.
The Jaintia Students’ Movement (JSM) on Saturday led the call for local reforms, demanding that permanent NEET examination centres be established in Jaintia Hills—specifically at Jowai or Khliehriat—and across all district headquarters in the state.
“The future of students cannot be bought and sold,” the JSM stated, arguing that the current system forces students from poor families to spend thousands on travel to appear for exams that are eventually compromised. “Geography and poverty must not become barriers to education.”
The movement called for a transparent, time-bound investigation into the NEET UG 2024 irregularities and a re-examination if the process is proven tainted.
The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) noted that while a resignation does not fix the system overnight, it sets a precedent for ministerial responsibility. KSU general secretary Reuben Najiar said the development sends a message that the government can no longer ignore student grievances without those at the highest level being held accountable.
Similarly, the Jaintia Students’ Union (JSU), which participated in protests at Jantar Mantar, described the movement as a “warning” to those attempting to tamper with the education system. The union urged political parties not to politicise the struggle, maintaining that the movement remains solely for student welfare.
State officials urge systemic review
Further down the state leadership, state officials reacted cautiously to the developments in New Delhi.
Adviser to the MDA-II government, Ampareen Lyngdoh, said the resignation should lead to a sincere review of institutional capacity. She expressed concern over the frustration of the younger generation and pointed to “differing applications of the law” across states regarding how student protests are handled.
“It is painful to see the frustration of the younger generation spill onto the streets,” Lyngdoh said.
She called for the Centre to establish clear guidelines for handling such demonstrations and urged stricter oversight of agencies like the National Testing Agency (NTA). “Institutions entrusted with nationwide tests should not be in a position to cite paper leaks as an excuse for failure.”
In contrast, state Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui took a more cautious tone, describing Pradhan’s resignation as a “political decision” and declining further comment on the move. Rymbui expressed hope that ongoing consultations between the Centre and stakeholders would lead to a solution, noting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is already “seized of the matter.”
The protests, which have seen participation from local student leaders and various political youth wings, continue to demand a fair and transparent examination system to restore public confidence.
