SFI activists protest union education minister’s visit over paper leak row

Members of the Students Federation of India (SFI), Visakhapatnam district committee, stage a demonstration at the main gate of Andhra University on Monday, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the paper leaks. | Photo credit: IN PARADISE

Members of the Students Federation of India (SFI), Visakhapatnam District Committee staged a demonstration at the main gate of Andhra University on Monday against the planned visit of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to attend the Central Tribal University of Andhra Pradesh (CTUAP) convocation.

The protesters raised slogans of ‘Go Back Dharmendra Pradhan’, referring to systemic failure in the national examination process following repeated leaks in NEET and other competitive examinations.

Addressing the gathering, SFI State President P. Rammohana Rao said the successive paper leaks across the country were proof of the central government’s failure to maintain transparency and credibility in the conduct of examinations. “The future of millions of students is at stake due to administrative failure. The Union Education Minister must take moral responsibility and resign immediately,” he said.

Mr. Rammohana also demanded dissolution of the National Testing Agency (NTA) and compensation of ₹ 1 million to the families of the 10 students who died after the NEET paper was leaked. He warned that if the demands were not met, SFI activists would physically obstruct Mr. Pradhan’s visit to Visakhapatnam.

Kusumanjali, SFI unit secretary of Andhra University and a NEET aspirant, highlighted the financial and emotional burden placed on families. She pointed out that after years of intensive coaching, leaks lead to inflated cut-offs as high as 670 marks or forced re-examinations, pushing students into deep depression. “Whether it is the failure of the NTA or the ministry, the responsibility rests with the minister,” she said.

SFÚ leaders have warned that protests will continue until firm measures are taken to prevent the paper leak and protect students’ futures.

Published – 29 Jun 2026 21:09 IST