New Delhi: Protests over the NEET examination paper leak and alleged irregularities are set to intensify in the capital on the eve of the re-examination, with the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) organising a demonstration at Jantar Mantar and renewing its demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The youth-led organisation has called on protesters to arrive carrying plates and spoons as part of the agitation. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke made the appeal through a social media video ahead of the protest, urging supporters to bring the utensils to the protests. The symbolic protest method is intended as a satirical reference to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal during the Covid-19 pandemic for citizens to bang utensils from their homes in support of healthcare workers.
The protest comes amid continuing nationwide anger over the NEET controversy. Dipke has also written to Prime Minister Modi seeking compensation of Rs 1 crore each for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide in the aftermath of the examination crisis. The organisation has argued that uncertainty surrounding the cancelled examination and the re-test has placed severe pressure on students. CJP, which began as a satirical social media initiative, has since evolved into a movement focused on unemployment and examination-related issues.
Meanwhile, the NEET-UG re-examination will be conducted on Sunday under unprecedented security measures after the earlier test was cancelled following allegations of a paper leak. Around 22.79 lakh candidates are expected to appear at centres across 551 Indian cities and 14 overseas locations. Fresh admit cards are mandatory, while electronic devices remain prohibited.
The Centre has deployed CCTV surveillance, Aadhaar-based biometric verification, metal-detector screening, GPS-tracked transportation of question papers and centralised monitoring. The National Testing Agency has also warned candidates against rumours and online fraud, urging them to rely only on official communications.