Pune, 19th July 2026: Hundreds of students, parents and members of various social organisations gathered near the Rani Lakshmibai statue on Jangli Maharaj Road on Sunday evening to protest against repeated examination paper leaks, the privatization of education and rising unemployment.
The demonstration was organised in support of environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk and the Cockroach Janata Party's nationwide campaign.
Holding placards and banners, protesters raised slogans demanding accountability from the Central government. They said repeated paper leak incidents have severely affected the future of lakhs of students by undermining the fairness of competitive examinations.
Protesters also demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and organised a signature campaign to support the demand.
Protesters said citizens have a democratic right to express dissent peacefully and urged the government to address students' concerns. They argued that recurring paper leaks have wasted years of hard work for many aspirants and have pushed several students into severe mental distress. They also expressed disappointment that voices seeking reforms in the education system were not being adequately heard.
The demonstrators further said the commercialization of education and growing unemployment have created uncertainty for young people. They urged the government to introduce stronger measures to prevent paper leaks and ensure a transparent and fair examination system, adding that standing with students is a collective responsibility.
The protest also saw the participation of several parents who brought their children to the demonstration. Many carried their children on their shoulders while raising slogans and holding placards.
Parents said they wanted the younger generation to understand the importance of speaking up against corruption and protecting the future of education. They added that remaining silent today could put the future of their children at greater risk, making it necessary to demand accountability now.
