– Reshma Ravishanker

Representatives of various private school associations from across the country are among the latest to join criticism against the Union government and demand the resignation of Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan in the wake of the ongoing student protests at Jantar Mantar in Delhi.

Condemning the recent baton charge on protesters participating in the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-organised agitation, National Independent Schools Alliance (NISA)’s national president Kulbhushan Sharma said that such a situation should never have arisen where students were compelled to sit in protest for several days. He said that students’ anger stems from concerns over their hard work, aspirations and future prospects.

“In today’s highly competitive environment, every examination plays a decisive role in shaping a young person’s career. When questions are raised about the fairness and credibility of the examination process, and students do not receive satisfactory answers or reassurance, their frustration is both natural and justified,” he added.

Sharma said that dissent must be addressed through dialogue, empathy, and meaningful solutions—not through the use of force. “NISA strongly condemns use of force against students and urges the government to engage with students constructively and restore their confidence in the examination system,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Associated Managements of Private Unaided Schools in Karnataka (KAMS) and the Alliance of Private Schools Association in India, in a statement on Wednesday, condemned the “brutal attacks” on students and parents. “We condemn the government of India for failed coaching centre regulations, exam irregularity and unfair handling of examination affairs,” said D Shashi Kumar, general secretary, KAMS.

It may be recalled that the CJP protest began on June 6 at Jantar Mantar, demanding action over the alleged NEET paper leak and CBSE class XII evaluation scam and calling for resignation of education minister Dharmendra Pradhan. As of 22 July, the agitation has entered its 46th day, evolving into a nationwide movement backed by students, civil society groups and several opposition parties.

Security remained tight at Jantar Mantar on Wednesday with traffic snarls reported around the area as CJP supporters continued their sit-in despite restrictions in central Delhi. While Union ministers attempted to initiate talks, protest leaders maintained they would engage only if the government offered concrete assurances on their demands.

The agitation also drew fresh support from opposition leaders, who criticised the government’s handling of the protests. The Centre defended its actions, stating that the police acted to maintain law and order.

Meanwhile, CJP has warned of intensifying the agitation if their demands are not addressed.

Also read: Govt willing to hold discussion on NEET paper leak issue: Rijiju tells Lok Sabha