Union Minister Ramdas Athawale on Saturday said Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan need not resign over the NEET paper leak, asserting that the government has already taken action against those involved in the alleged scam.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event in Srinagar, Athawale said the paper leak was a serious issue but argued that it did not warrant the education minister’s resignation.
“There is no need for Dharmendra Pradhan to resign. The NEET paper leak is not a good thing for us, but it is not as if no action has been taken in this regard,” he said.
Says accused have been arrested
Athawale said several persons had been arrested in connection with the paper leak investigation, adding that a significant number of the accused were arrested from Maharashtra.
He maintained that the government’s action demonstrated its commitment to addressing the issue and preventing similar incidents in the future.
Appeals to Sonam Wangchuk to end hunger strike
The Union minister also appealed to climate activist Sonam Wangchuk to end his hunger strike.
He said Wangchuk was free to offer suggestions on measures to prevent examination paper leaks, but reiterated that there was no justification for seeking Pradhan’s resignation.
“Wangchuk has the right to give suggestions on how to prevent paper leaks, but there is no need for Pradhan to resign,” Athawale said.
