Centre Never Stopped Student Protests: Sitharaman
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said the Centre never attempted to prevent students from protesting over examination paper leaks and acknowledged that governments must listen more closely to young people.
Centre Respected Student Protests
Speaking at a business leadership event, Sitharaman rejected suggestions that the government had initially underestimated the protests. She said permission had been granted for demonstrations and maintained that the Centre had not tried to stop students from expressing their concerns.
The minister said young people across generations and countries have participated in protests when they encounter situations they consider unfair. She described this willingness to demand responsive and timely action as part of the spirit of youth.
Her remarks came after the protest movement was withdrawn following Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation as Union Education Minister.
Government Defends Paper Leak Response
Sitharaman said the government acted after the examination leak became public by arresting people allegedly involved in buying and selling question papers and placing them before the judicial process.
She added that conducting the re-examination and announcing results without disrupting the students’ academic year were equally important responsibilities. According to her, Pradhan handled that process before deciding to resign.
The protests had demanded accountability over examination irregularities and broader reforms to strengthen the security and credibility of competitive tests.
Nirmala Sitharaman Calls for Better Communication
Sitharaman acknowledged that the government must keep its “ears closer to the ground” to understand the concerns of younger citizens. She also called for simpler and less bureaucratic communication suited to a generation active on social media.
However, she said official government language must remain precise because statements by ministers and departments can face legal scrutiny and judicial interpretation.
The Centre has since announced additional measures against paper leaks and assigned Pralhad Joshi charge of the Education Ministry.
