New Delhi: The government has ruled out Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over the NEET-UG paper leak controversy, government sources said on Friday.

The decision is a major setback for the Cockroach Janta Party, which has held a month-long protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar over the paper leak and other examination-related problems.

According to government sources, there is “no question” of Pradhan resigning. “Resigning and running away from responsibility will be the easiest thing to do. People have given us the mandate, and we will deliver,” they said.

The sources said the government would focus on correcting systemic problems within the National Testing Agency instead of taking what it considers a symbolic step.

Officials have prepared a detailed list of shortcomings in the examination body. The government plans to introduce corrective measures soon.

The sources also said authorities had busted several gangs linked to examination paper leaks. They added that agencies would take further action against those involved in such networks.

The CJP, however, maintained that Pradhan’s resignation remained a non-negotiable demand during talks with the Centre.

CJP representatives met Union Health Minister JP Nadda and Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office Jitendra Singh at Vithalbhai Patel House on Friday. The meeting lasted about two hours.

CJP spokesperson Saurav Das said the organisation also demanded Rs 1 crore compensation for the families of students who died by suicide after the cancellation of the May 3 NEET examination. It sought the withdrawal of FIRs against protesters and the acceptance of its five-point examination reform charter.

The group also demanded a public apology from the Centre, the Rapid Action Force and the Delhi Police Commissioner over the alleged violence against protesters during Monday’s ‘Sansad Chalo’ march.

Nadda said the government had heard the demands and would respond after considering them. Both sides will meet again on Saturday.

The talks came hours after activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram following government assurances.

Police had removed Wangchuk from the protest site on July 19 after his health deteriorated. He was first admitted to Safdarjung Hospital before a court allowed his transfer to Medanta.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a video on Thursday night that the government would introduce a Bill in Parliament to provide strict punishment for paper leaks.

The Union Cabinet later approved the draft legislation. The CJP said its protest would continue until Pradhan resigned, while the government insisted that it would focus on examination reforms and action against paper leak networks.

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