Lucknow Protests Over NEET-UG Paper Leak, Demand Pradhan's Resignation

Students, opposition leaders, and party workers staged protests across Lucknow on Monday over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak and pending student issues. The protests, which began at Lucknow University, saw the participation of students, research scholars, and youth activists.

The protesters raised demands against fee hikes, recurring examination paper leaks, alleged neglect of student welfare, justice for expelled students, increasing privatisation of education, and protection of democratic rights on campuses. They also demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and the dissolution of the National Testing Agency (NTA).

A memorandum addressed to the authorities was later forwarded to the district administration. The march, which began from Gate No. 1 of Lucknow University, saw students carrying placards and the national flag, reiterating their demand for accessible, equitable, and quality education for all.

Student leader Mahendra Yadav said making education expensive and inaccessible would adversely affect the country's future. He urged the government and university administration to resolve all pending student-related issues through concrete measures.

The All India Students' Association (AISA) also organised a protest march, demanding the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan and the dissolution of the NTA over the alleged irregularities in competitive examinations. The organisation held its protest march from Parivartan Chowk.

The protests coincided with demonstrations by the Samajwadi Party and the Congress against the NEET paper leak. In Lucknow, Samajwadi Party workers attempting to march towards the Uttar Pradesh Assembly were stopped by police. Some protesters lay down on the road and blocked traffic.

The protests turned brief confrontation with the police at Parivartan Chowk, leading to the detention of several protesters. They were later taken into custody and shifted to Eco Garden.

The issue of the NEET-UG paper leak has sparked widespread outrage among students and opposition parties, who are demanding action against those responsible. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has been facing criticism over the alleged irregularities in competitive examinations.

The protests in Lucknow are part of a larger movement demanding reforms in the education system and an end to the commercialisation of education. Students and opposition parties are demanding that the government take concrete measures to address the issues faced by students, including fee hikes, paper leaks, and neglect of student welfare.

The resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan is being demanded by students and opposition parties, who allege that he has failed to address the issues faced by students. The dissolution of the NTA is also being demanded, with allegations of irregularities in competitive examinations.

The protests in Lucknow highlight the growing unrest among students and opposition parties over the state of the education system in India. The demand for accessible, equitable, and quality education for all is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed by the government.

In conclusion, the protests in Lucknow over the NEET-UG paper leak and student issues are a reflection of the growing dissatisfaction among students and opposition parties with the education system in India. The demand for reforms and an end to the commercialisation of education is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed by the government.