Will The Centre Listen To Sonam Wangchuk’s Demand For Dharmendra Pradhan’s Resignation?

Sonam Wangchuk says he will end his fast only if the Centre assures no action against protesting students and considers Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation.

New Delhi: Activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk has said he is ready to end his indefinite fast if the Centre gives written assurance of meeting several demands, including those on protection of protesting students and accountability over the alleged NEET paper leak controversy. One of the demands is calling for a discussion in Parliament as to whether Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan should resign.

Wangchuk Urges Centre to Give Written Assurance

Wangchuk, who began an indefinite fast on June 28, said he got several calls asking him to lift the fast. He said he will end the fast only if the government assures that students who took part in the protests will not face any punitive actions.

In a letter, the activist said the ministers, Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh, had assured him that the government would give effective consideration to a number of demands raised in the meeting.

Key Demands Raised By Sonam Wangchuk

According to Wangchuk, the Centre has agreed to consider the following issues:

Adequate compensation for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the examination paper leak.

A meaningful discussion in Parliament to ensure accountability, including consideration of the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

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Demand for Pradhan's resignation has emerged as one of the major demands of students and opposition parties who have criticised Centre for inadequately addressing examination malpractices.

Hospital says Wangchuk is stable

Wangchuk is currently admitted to ICU, Medanta Hospital, Gurugram since he was shifted from Safdarjung Hospital on the orders of Delhi High Court.

In its most recent medical bulletin, the hospital said Wangchuk is stable, conscious and oriented, with his vitals within acceptable limits. The hospital added that a multidisciplinary team of doctors is attending to him and all care is being provided with his informed consent.

Will The Centre Act On The Demands?

While hearing a petition filed by Gitanjali Angmo, wife of Wangchuk, Delhi High Court had permitted the transfer of the former NIMHANS Chief to Medanta. The court also sent an order that the hospital should monitor his health in real time, and has the basic right to receive treatment at a hospital of his choice.

Although the Centre has stated that it will take cognizance of Wangchuk's demands, there hasn't been a formal commitment from the government yet that it will table a motion in Parliament to force Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. The tone of the government's response in the next few days will indicate whether Wangchuk will call off his fast and the student protests will subside.