ITANAGAR, Jul 25: The Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) on Saturday welcomed the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, describing it as “a victory” for students, parents and youth who had been demanding accountability over alleged irregularities in national competitive examinations and the NEET paper leak controversy.
APCC president Bosiram Siram said the resignation reflected the power of peaceful democratic protests and public pressure. He, however, maintained that the resignation alone was not sufficient to address the concerns of students affected by examination-related issues.
Siram said the Centre should order a time-bound, independent and transparent investigation into the alleged examination irregularities and undertake comprehensive reforms of the country's examination system, including the National Testing Agency (NTA).
The APCC also reiterated its demand for establishing permanent NEET and CUET examination centres in Arunachal Pradesh, along with a transparent examination calendar and a secure, student-friendly examination system.
The party further demanded action against police personnel allegedly involved in using batons against student protesters during demonstrations in Delhi and called for the unconditional withdrawal of FIRs registered against the protesting students.
Meanwhile, the APCC has directed all District Congress Committees (DCCs) in the state to organise victory marches in place of the previously announced candlelight marches and satyagraha programmes.