Students in Lucknow on Thursday protested against the central government’s decision to cancel the UGC-NET exam, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The protest, led by members of the Samajwadi Chhatra Sangh and National Students' Union of India (NSUI), took place outside Lucknow University’s Bhaurao Deoras Dwar.
Protesters voiced their anger at the Union Grants Commission (UGC), the National Testing Agency (NTA), and the education ministry.
"We worked hard for over a year for the NET exam which has been cancelled. This is injustice to us and strictest action should be taken against those responsible for it," one protester said, holding a placard calling for Pradhan’s resignation.
The education ministry cancelled the UGC-NET (National Eligibility Test) following concerns that the integrity of the exam had been compromised.
The matter has been referred to the CBI for investigation.
Denied entry into the university campus by security staff, the students continued their protest outside.
Meanwhile, members of the Samajwadi Party (SP) also demonstrated at Hazratganj crossing, demanding Pradhan’s resignation.
The NET, usually conducted in a different format, was held in pen-and-paper mode this time on June 18, with a record 11 lakh students registering.
The abrupt cancellation has intensified criticism from opposition parties, including SP president Akhilesh Yadav, who attacked the central government over the issue.
As the situation unfolds, students and political figures alike are calling for accountability and transparency regarding the handling of the UGC-NET examination.
The demand for justice and ministerial accountability continues to resonate across Lucknow, highlighting the growing unrest among the student community.
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