Activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day [1] hunger strike after meeting with two Union Ministers who relayed government assurances regarding examination reforms.
The resolution of the fast marks a pivotal moment in the protest against irregularities in the NEET-UG exam, which has sparked widespread concern over the integrity of national medical entrance tests.
Wangchuk concluded the strike at Medanta Hospital in New Delhi. Reports on the exact timing vary, with some sources stating the fast ended around midnight on Thursday, July 23 [2], while others cite Friday, July 24 [3].
Union Ministers JP Nadda and Dr. Jitendra Singh met with Wangchuk to convey the government's commitment to addressing his demands. These demands centered on irregularities within the NEET-UG exam, the need for broader examination reforms, and compensation for families affected by paper leaks.
"My decision to end my fast follows a long negotiation on various conditions and in view of possible violence in the country," Wangchuk said [4].
Wangchuk indicated that the government's willingness to provide financial redress was a key factor in his decision. "The Union Ministers assured me that the government will consider compensation for the families affected by the NEET paper leak," he said [5].
The protest had drawn significant attention to the systemic failures of the testing process, placing pressure on the administration to implement more transparent protocols for high-stakes student assessments. The presence of two high-ranking ministers at the hospital underscored the government's urgency to resolve the standoff as the activist's health declined during the nearly four-week fast [1].
“The Union Ministers assured me that the government will consider compensation for the families affected by the NEET paper leak.”
The government's decision to engage directly with Wangchuk and offer compensation suggests a recognition that the NEET-UG irregularities have caused significant public distrust. By prioritizing a negotiated end to the hunger strike, the administration aims to defuse potential civil unrest while signaling a willingness to reform the national examination system to prevent future leaks.
