The 36-day youth-led agitation by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar against the government ended after education minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned over alleged exam irregularities and the NEET paper leak.

The CJP called off the protest after the government agreed to its remaining demands, including compensation for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the NEET paper leak, and withdrawal of FIRs against protesters.

This is a victory for the youth of India, who refused to be intimidated by the government’s power and mismanagement. They have shown that collective action can bring about change and that, despite numerous barriers, young people can unite for a common cause.

The onus is now on the government to reform the education system and restore the trust that has been severely eroded by repeated examination paper leaks.