In a significant development for India's political landscape, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned on Saturday, marking only the second cabinet minister departure during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 12-year tenure. This rare resignation followed over a week of intense street protests, largely spearheaded by the nation's youth, who are celebrating it as an unprecedented victory and a sign that their collective voice can drive change.
The protests erupted in May after the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), India's largest medical entrance examination, was cancelled due to a question paper leak. This forced nearly two million students to retake the crucial test, with the scandal tragically linked to the suicides of over 20 students. The outrage quickly galvanised, particularly among young people who had grown increasingly frustrated with systemic issues within the education sector.
The movement gained significant traction through the satirical Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), an online campaign that evolved into real-world demonstrations. Initially, the protests garnered limited attention, but this shifted dramatically after Delhi police forcibly removed and hospitalised hunger-striking educator Sonam Wangchuk on 18 July. Two days later, tens of thousands marched on Parliament at the CJP's behest, leading to a police crackdown that saw baton charges, tear gas, and pellet guns. Far from suppressing the dissent, videos of these clashes spread rapidly online, fueling public anger and swelling the ranks of the protesters across the country.
Young activists, many of whom were protesting for the first time, effectively utilised social media platforms like Instagram to share their experiences, document police actions, and rally support. This digital engagement proved crucial, with student activist Sakhi noting that the government appeared to misjudge the movement's momentum, largely because it was out of touch with these modern communication channels. The success of these protests has emboldened participants, who now view Pradhan's resignation not as an end, but as a starting point for addressing broader societal issues.
Beyond the immediate scandal, the protests reflect deeper discontent among India's vast youth population. Many young Indians, like law graduate Somaya Korde, see education as a vital pathway to a better life, but feel betrayed by a system plagued by privatisation, paper leaks, and a lack of sufficient job opportunities even for graduates. Government data reveals that unemployment among 15- to 29-year-olds rose to 16.2% in June from 13.8% a year prior. A 2026 study from Azim Premji University further highlighted the struggle, finding that fewer than 7% of jobseekers secured permanent salaried work within a year of graduation, and fewer than 4% landed white-collar positions. These economic anxieties, combined with a perceived lack of accountability from the government, have provided fertile ground for the current wave of activism.