NEW DELHI—Students continued peaceful demonstrations in the Indian capital on Wednesday despite heavy rain, as a youth-led protest movement over alleged examination irregularities maintained pressure on the federal government during the Monsoon Session of Parliament.
Large groups of demonstrators gathered at Jantar Mantar, carrying placards and chanting slogans calling for greater accountability in the administration of national entrance examinations. Organizers said the protest remained peaceful despite persistent rainfall that left parts of the protest site waterlogged.
The demonstrations are part of a broader nationwide movement that began after allegations of leaks and mismanagement involving major competitive examinations, including the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). Protesters have demanded reforms to the examination system and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, while the government has rejected calls for his resignation and said it is committed to strengthening examination safeguards.
Media reports showed protesters remaining at the site overnight despite rain, using mobile phone lights after darkness fell and distributing water and food among participants. Organizers said students intended to continue their sit-in until their demands were addressed.
Authorities maintained a heavy security presence in central New Delhi following large demonstrations earlier in the week. Additional security personnel were deployed around Parliament and key government buildings, while some Delhi Metro stations remained closed or subject to restrictions as officials sought to manage public movement during the parliamentary session.
The protests have drawn support from opposition politicians, who have accused the government of failing to adequately address students' concerns. Parliamentary proceedings were disrupted as opposition lawmakers pressed for a debate on examination reforms and accountability. The government has said it is prepared to discuss the issue in Parliament while defending its handling of the controversy.
Government officials have said investigations into alleged examination misconduct are continuing and have pledged reforms aimed at improving the integrity of future tests. Protest leaders, however, have said demonstrations will continue until they receive stronger assurances and concrete action on their demands.
As of Wednesday evening, there were no official reports of major violence at the rain-soaked protest site, and demonstrators remained gathered under police supervision while authorities continued to monitor the situation.
