India’s student-led protest movement remains active despite the government opening negotiations with protest leaders, as demonstrators continue to press for sweeping reforms to the country’s examination system and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. While discussions between government officials and representatives of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) are underway, organisers insist the protests will continue until their key demands are met.
The movement, which began over allegations of repeated examination paper leaks, has now expanded beyond New Delhi to at least 34 cities, reflecting growing nationwide frustration over transparency and accountability in India’s education system. Protest leaders say government assurances alone are insufficient without concrete policy changes and action against those responsible for the alleged leaks.
At New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, students and supporters continue their sit-in following clashes during the July 20 “Chalo Sansad” march. Security measures imposed after the demonstrations, including temporary metro station closures and mobile internet restrictions in parts of the capital, disrupted daily commuters, app-based transport services and nearby businesses. Authorities have maintained a heavy police presence around the protest site while negotiations continue.
Environmental activist and engineer Sonam Wangchuk has ended his 26-day hunger strike after discussions with government ministers and medical advice regarding his health. However, organisers stressed that Wangchuk’s decision does not signal the end of the movement, describing it instead as a step to protect his health while allowing the broader campaign to continue.
The protests have also drawn significant attention from India’s film industry. Actor Salman Khan initially praised students for conducting peaceful demonstrations and demanding a fair education system. Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement of measures to tackle examination paper leaks, Salman urged students to return home, saying their education and personal safety should now take priority. He also appealed to Wangchuk to end his hunger strike. His comments have divided opinion online, with some viewing them as a responsible appeal after government assurances, while others argue they risk reducing pressure before meaningful reforms are implemented.
Several celebrities have publicly supported the movement, although not all participated at Jantar Mantar. Huma Qureshi and her brother Saqib Saleem joined protesters in Delhi, while actor Imran Khan and actress Ayesha Khan attended solidarity demonstrations in Mumbai. Veteran actors Shabana Azmi and Prakash Raj have also been seen supporting the protests in Delhi, while Alia Bhatt, Naseeruddin Shah, Pooja Bhatt and Mammootty have voiced support through public statements and social media.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has described examination paper leaks as a serious crime against young people and announced plans for fast-track courts, stricter punishments and additional legislation to strengthen the legal framework against such offences. However, he did not announce the removal of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, one of the protesters’ central demands. Protest leaders argue that while the government’s response marks progress, it falls short of addressing deeper concerns over institutional accountability and preventing future examination scandals.
Although dialogue between both sides has reduced the immediate risk of a prolonged political deadlock, no final agreement has been reached. With demonstrations continuing across multiple cities, protest organisers maintain that they will not suspend the movement until concrete reforms, accountability for examination failures and compensation for affected families are formally announced.
