SFI Says Jantar Mantar Protest Highlighted Demand for Transparent Education System
Shimla, July 27
The Students’ Federation of India (SFI) on Monday said the month-long student movement at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar has emerged as a nationwide campaign seeking transparency, accountability and fairness in India’s education system, going beyond allegations surrounding the NEET-2026 examination.
In a statement issued by SFI Himachal Pradesh State Committee president Anil Thakur, the organisation said students, parents and democratic groups from across the country participated in the protest, alleging that repeated controversies over competitive examinations have eroded confidence in the existing system.
SFI reiterated its demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, alleging that the credibility of the examination process had come under serious question during his tenure.
It also sought the dissolution of the National Testing Agency (NTA) and the establishment of a more transparent and accountable examination mechanism.
The organisation alleged that many students and their families suffered severe mental distress following the NEET-2026 controversy and claimed that several students had died by suicide. It also criticised the police action during the “Sansad Chalo” march held on July 20, alleging that peaceful protesters were subjected to baton charges, tear gas and detentions. According to SFI, more than 40 of its activists were injured and over 1,000 student activists were arrested during protests held in more than 100 districts across the country.
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Despite the police action, SFI claimed the movement gathered wider public support and spread to several states. The organisation maintained that democratic protests should be addressed through dialogue rather than force.
The federation also demanded a review of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, decentralisation of examinations, reforms in the evaluation system, an independent judicial probe into alleged examination irregularities, action against those responsible and support for affected students. It said the campaign would continue until these demands are addressed.
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