Sonam Wangchuk Demands Education Minister’s Resignation, Backs Student Protest in Delhi

Renowned education reformer and environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk has expressed serious concern over alleged irregularities in the examination system and the overall state of education in the country. He has issued an ultimatum to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, demanding his resignation by June 5.

Wangchuk announced that if the minister does not step down within the given deadline, he will personally participate in a large scale protest scheduled for June 6 at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. He described accountability and meaningful educational reforms as urgent national priorities.

The protest has been called by a youth and student movement known as the “Cockroach Janata Party,” which emerged through social media campaigns. The group is demanding greater transparency in examinations and accountability for recent controversies involving national level tests.

Abhijeet Dupke, the founder of the movement, welcomed Wangchuk’s support and said that the participation of a respected public figure would strengthen the campaign and inspire students across the country.

In a video message, Wangchuk said he had held detailed discussions with the organisers to ensure that the movement genuinely represented the voices of Indian students and was not influenced by any external interests. He praised young people for raising concerns about their future and advocating peaceful reforms in the education sector.

Referring to recent controversies surrounding examinations such as NEET, CUET, and CBSE assessments, Wangchuk said the issue extends beyond individual tests. According to him, the larger challenge is the need for structural reforms throughout the education system.

Drawing on his decades of work in remote and underdeveloped regions, Wangchuk said he has spent nearly forty years striving to improve government schools and educational opportunities for disadvantaged communities. While acknowledging the positive intentions behind the National Education Policy and the vision of a developed India by 2047, he stressed that meaningful results would depend on honest and effective implementation at the grassroots level.

He argued that quality education must reach rural and economically weaker sections of society if the country’s development goals are to be achieved. Without addressing these gaps, he said, promises of progress would remain incomplete.

Wangchuk further stated that failures affecting the future of millions of students should be treated as a serious national concern. He added that in a healthy democracy, leaders should accept moral responsibility when major systems fail and be prepared to step aside.

Expressing hope that the government would take corrective measures soon, Wangchuk said he would stand alongside students at the June 6 protest if no action is taken. Meanwhile, Abhijeet Dupke has also announced his return to India from abroad to help lead the peaceful demonstration and campaign for greater transparency in the education system.