SHILLONG : Dozens of students assembled at Don Bosco Square, Laitumkhrah, on Monday as part of a social media-driven protest supported by Thma U Rangli-Juki (TUR), demanding accountability for examination paper leaks and urgent reforms in India’s education system.
The protest also expressed solidarity with activist Sonam Wangchuk and students who have been on a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, for over 20 days.
TUR leader Angela Rangad said the gathering was initiated organically by students through social media.
“Nobody knows who started this. Youngsters just decided to meet at Don Bosco Square. It shows the concern and responsibility students are taking,” she said.
Rangad criticized both the Centre and the broader education system, saying the issue extends far beyond the NEET examination.
She alleged that paper leaks have become common even at the state level and expressed concern over the increasing privatization of education, rising costs and declining quality.
Referring to Meghalaya’s educational performance, Rangad pointed out that the state ranks at the bottom of the Performance Grading Index (PGI) in terms of learning outcomes.
“Instead of paying teachers better, we get guidebooks. Infrastructure alone isn’t education. Empty buildings without quality teaching help no one,” she said.
She added that education is a shared responsibility of both the Centre and the states and urged governments to respond to the concerns being raised by students.
Protesters carried placards bearing messages such as “Our dreams are not for sale,” “Justice for students who died due to paper leaks,” and “We stand with Jantar Mantar.”
One student said Meghalaya was once known for its education sector but has seen a decline in recent years, while another demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, alleging the government’s silence despite reports of student suicides linked to examination paper leaks.
The protesters called for greater transparency in the examination system, stronger safeguards against paper leaks and meaningful reforms to restore students’ confidence in the country’s education system.