Shillong, July 20: Dozens of students gathered at Don Bosco Square in Laitumkhrah on Monday to protest against repeated examination paper leaks, demanding accountability, reforms in the education system, and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The demonstration, driven largely through social media and supported by Thma U Rangli-Juki (TUR), also expressed solidarity with activist Sonam Wangchuk and students on a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi for over 20 days.
TUR leader Angela Rangad said the protest was a spontaneous initiative by young people.
“Nobody knows who started this. Youngsters just decided to meet at Don Bosco Square. It shows the concern and responsibility students are taking,” she said.
Rangad said the education crisis extends beyond the NEET controversy, pointing to recurring paper leaks at both the national and state levels.
“Paper leaks are happening at the state level too. Education is becoming expensive and privatized, with no quality. And then students are insulted and called ‘cockroaches’. That is the contempt this government has,” she said.
She also highlighted concerns over the state of education in Meghalaya, noting that the state ranks at the bottom of the Performance Grading Index (PGI) for learning outcomes.
“Instead of paying teachers better, we get guidebooks. Infrastructure alone isn’t education. Empty buildings without quality teaching help no one,” Rangad said.
She stressed that education is a shared responsibility of both the Centre and the state government.
“Education is a state and central subject. There’s a lot we can do here. Students are leading—the government must follow,” she added.
Protesters carried placards with slogans such as “Our dreams are not for sale,” “Justice for students who died due to paper leaks,” and “We stand with Jantar Mantar.”
A student participant said Meghalaya, once known for its educational standards, has witnessed a decline.
“Meghalaya was known for education. Now it’s falling. We want safety for Sonam and everyone protesting in Delhi,” the student said.
Another protester called for the resignation of the Union Education Minister, alleging that repeated paper leaks have had devastating consequences for students.
“Many students died by suicide over paper leaks and the government is silent. Dharmendra Pradhan should resign,” she said.
