Kumar Bahukhandi
Social activist Sonam Wangchuk speaks from his hospital bed after ending his 26-day hunger strike, stating that written assurances from the Union Government on examination reforms and protection of peaceful student protesters paved the way for concluding the protest while reaffirming his call for accountability-Photo Credit- PTI
Key Factors
- Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike after receiving written assurances from the Union Government.
- Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Dr. Jitendra Singh met Wangchuk at Medanta Hospital.
- Government reportedly assured no FIRs or legal action against peaceful student protesters.
- Families of deceased students are to receive financial compensation.
- Parliament is expected to hold a detailed discussion on examination reforms and accountability.
- Wangchuk maintained that Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan should have resigned, though no assurance was given on that demand.
- The activist said safeguarding students’ futures was more important than prolonging his fast.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Wangchuk to prioritise his health and follow doctors’ advice.
Activist Says Students’ Future and Examination Reforms Take Priority; Maintains Education Minister Should Have Resigned
Social activist Sonam Wangchuk on Friday ended his 26-day hunger strike after receiving a written assurance from the Union Government on key demands related to the alleged NEET examination irregularities and broader reforms in India’s competitive examination system.
Wangchuk broke his fast at Medanta Hospital in the presence of Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Dr. Jitendra Singh, bringing to a close nearly four weeks of protest that had drawn support from students, civil society groups and Members of Parliament from across political parties.
In a video message shared on social media, Wangchuk said the government had agreed to provide written commitments after prolonged negotiations, describing the written document as an essential condition for ending his fast.
“I insisted on written assurances. It took two extra days, but finally the government has provided them,” Wangchuk said.
Written Assurances from the Government
According to Wangchuk, the government’s commitments include:
- No legal action or FIRs against students and peaceful protesters who participated in the agitation, including the ‘Sansad Chalo’ march.
- Financial compensation for the families of students who allegedly lost their lives in connection with the examination controversy.
- A detailed discussion in Parliament on the examination system and measures to strengthen transparency and accountability in national-level competitive examinations.
Demand for Minister’s Resignation Remains
Although Wangchuk ended his fast, he made it clear that he continues to believe Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan should have resigned over the examination controversy.
He acknowledged that the government did not provide any assurance regarding the Minister’s resignation but said prolonging his hunger strike at the cost of his health would not have served the larger movement.
“I had two choices—continue fasting for weeks and risk my life, or stay alive and continue this struggle. The resignation issue will ultimately be judged by the people and history,” he remarked.
Students’ Future Was the Priority
Wangchuk said protecting the careers of young protesters was one of his foremost concerns. He welcomed the assurance that no criminal cases would be filed against students who had participated peacefully in demonstrations.
He recalled similar experiences from Ladakh where prolonged legal cases had adversely affected young people’s futures, saying he did not want students involved in the present movement to face the same consequences.
Parliamentary Debate Expected
The activist expressed satisfaction that the issue would now be debated in Parliament, calling it “the highest temple of Indian democracy.” He said a comprehensive discussion on accountability in education and examination reforms could help prevent similar controversies in the future.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had appealed to Wangchuk to follow medical advice and prioritise his health.
While the hunger strike has concluded, Wangchuk indicated that his campaign for transparent examinations and institutional accountability will continue through democratic and constitutional means.
