Hundreds of students from Lucknow University protested against the University Grants Commission (UGC) and National Testing Agency (NTA) following the cancellation of the UGC-NET exam due to reported irregularities.
The students gathered outside the university's Bhaurao Deoras Dwar, voicing their frustration and demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The protest was fueled by the Education Ministry's recent decision to cancel the UGC-NET exam, held on June 18, 2024, citing potential compromises in its integrity. The Ministry has handed over the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to ensure a thorough probe into the matter. This cancellation has left thousands of aspirants in limbo, causing significant anxiety and frustration among the students who had invested considerable time and effort preparing for the exam.
Students, carrying banners and raising slogans against the UGC, NTA, and the Education Ministry, expressed their dissatisfaction with handling the examination process. The protesters demanded a prompt re-exam and strict action against those responsible for the alleged leak and irregularities. They emphasised the importance of accountability and transparency in the examination process, determining eligibility for junior research fellowships, assistant professorships, and PhD admissions in Indian universities.
One of the student leaders, Ravi Kumar, voiced the collective sentiment, stating, "We have worked tirelessly to prepare for this exam, and it is unfair that our futures are put at risk due to administrative failures. We demand a re-exam and accountability from those in charge."
The students' protest highlights broader concerns about the credibility and fairness of national examinations. The recent controversies surrounding other exams, such as NEET-UG 2024, have only added to the growing discontent among students and educational stakeholders. The demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan underscores the level of frustration and the call for higher accountability in managing national examinations.
The Education Ministry has yet to respond to the demands of the protesting students. As the investigation by the CBI progresses, students and educational institutions across the country will be watching closely, hoping for a resolution that ensures the integrity and fairness of future exams.
