The third round of discussions between the Central Government and the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) is set to take place today, focusing on the response to the agitation surrounding the NEET paper leak. This meeting comes after days of negotiations, during which the government has reportedly agreed to two of the CJP’s three fundamental demands while seeking additional time regarding the controversial request for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

In anticipation of possible protests, security measures have been heightened across the national capital. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has temporarily closed multiple metro stations, liquor shops have been instructed to close early, and the Delhi Police has cancelled routine leave for personnel to ensure full deployment during this period.

The lead-up to this round of talks has seen notable developments, including activist Sonam Wangchuk concluding a 26-day hunger strike following government assurances. Furthermore, the Union Cabinet has approved a draft law that proposes prison sentences of up to ten years and fines of Rs 10 crore for organised paper leak activities.

Centre’s Response and Continuing Deadlock

The previous two hours of discussions on Friday were unable to resolve the impasse regarding Pradhan’s potential resignation. CJP leader Ashutosh Ranka stated that the government had requested until this afternoon to respond to the demand for resignation. Union Minister JP Nadda has confirmed that a subsequent meeting will be held, indicating that the government intends to communicate its stance following further discussions.

Sources from the government have dismissed the notion of Pradhan stepping down amid the NEET-UG paper leak controversy. They have indicated that resigning would represent an evasion of responsibility, asserting that the focus is on reforming the National Testing Agency (NTA). A comprehensive assessment of institutional failures has been completed, with plans for corrective measures anticipated shortly.

The second round of discussions witnessed a shift in the government’s approach, agreeing to conduct talks at the Constitution Club rather than a minister’s residence. The Centre has also accepted two of the CJP’s demands: no FIRs against peaceful participants of the July 20 ‘Chalo Sansad’ march and Rs 1 crore compensation for families of students who died by suicide linked to the examination controversy. However, CJP leaders maintain that the resignation of Pradhan remains a fundamental demand.

Government Takes Administrative Actions

In a significant response to the ongoing controversy, the National Testing Agency terminated the services of 47 officials on July 24, marking one of the most considerable administrative actions since incidents began to escalate. The government is also planning to overhaul the NTA’s outsourcing mechanisms related to examination conduct, aiming to enhance oversight, accountability, and to address systemic issues.

Earlier discussions within the Union Cabinet led to the approval of a draft bill proposing stringent penalties for paper leak offences. Proposed amendments include a minimum five-year prison term extendable to ten years, alongside possible fines of up to Rs 10 crore for organised rackets. Investigations for such cases are expected to be completed within three months, with trials set to be expedited through fast-track courts.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently expressed gratitude towards young people for their engagement in discussions about the examination issue, stating that their feedback had strengthened his connection with them. His remarks came in a video message posted on Instagram, acknowledging the significant response to his previous messages.

Additionally, the DMRC has suspended operations at 18 metro stations across central Delhi as a precaution against anticipated protests. In light of the ongoing unrest, the Delhi government has mandated early closure of liquor shops until the end of the weekend, a decision influenced by police assessments regarding the security situation.

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