In a dramatic political development, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned following weeks of nationwide student protests over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak controversy. His resignation comes after sustained demonstrations led by student groups, mounting pressure from opposition parties, and growing public outrage over alleged irregularities in the country's premier medical entrance examination.

The resignation marks the Centre's biggest political response to the crisis, which has dominated national discourse and disrupted Parliament. Protesters had made Pradhan's resignation their principal demand, arguing that ministerial accountability was essential to restore confidence in India's examination system.

The NEET paper leak controversy erupted after allegations that question papers had been compromised before the examination, triggering widespread anger among students and parents. The Centre subsequently initiated a major overhaul of the National Testing Agency (NTA), reportedly terminating 47 officials, ordering investigations, and approving stricter anti-paper leak legislation with provisions for fast-track courts and enhanced penalties. Despite these measures, protests continued, with demonstrators insisting that administrative action alone was insufficient without political accountability.

The government is expected to announce an interim arrangement for the Education Ministry soon, while attention will now shift to implementing examination reforms and restoring public trust in the country's competitive examination system.

(With agency inputs)