New Delhi: A group of eminent academics, public intellectuals, and civil society activists has appealed to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to step down, arguing that his resignation would demonstrate moral accountability for the alleged mismanagement of the NEET and other national examinations and help bring an end to the ongoing hunger strike led by education reform advocate Sonam Wangchuk.
In an open letter addressed to the minister, the signatories expressed deep concern over Wangchuk’s health, stating that he has been on an indefinite fast for nearly three weeks and has reportedly lost around ten pounds. They warned that his condition is deteriorating and that his life, which they described as “extremely precious for the country,” is at risk.
The letter also highlighted that several students have joined the hunger strike in solidarity with Wangchuk, saying their health and lives are equally at stake.
Appealing to the minister’s sense of moral responsibility, the signatories wrote that accepting responsibility by resigning would be an honourable step in light of the government’s alleged failures in conducting the examinations. They cautioned that if any harm were to come to Wangchuk or the students, history would hold the minister accountable for refusing to act despite repeated appeals.
The authors acknowledged that Pradhan may be acting in accordance with his party’s and the government’s position but stressed that “no one can ultimately evade moral responsibility for his own actions.” They urged him to resign in order to help save the lives of Wangchuk and the students participating in the fast.
The appeal has been endorsed by several distinguished scholars and activists, including Romila Thapar, Prabhat Patnaik, Utsa Patnaik, Zoya Hasan, C.P. Chandrasekhar, Sunanda Sen, Neera Chandhoke, John Dayal, and Harsh Mander.
The Union Education Ministry had not responded to the appeal at the time this report was published.
