After nearly a month-long protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, the Modi government has finally expressed willingness for talks.
As part of the protest demanding reforms in the education system and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the ‘Sansad Chalo’ march was carried out today. Following the march, which was led by AISA (All India Students’ Association), the Central Government invited the leadership for discussions. Following this, 3 AISA leaders ended their 21-day hunger strike today.
On Monday, in the presence of Opposition MPs and representatives of civil society at Jantar Mantar, the protesting leaders broke their fast by having water.
It may be noted that the All India Students’ Association had launched this hunger strike in support of nationwide protests demanding an investigation into irregularities in public examinations, ensuring accountability, and demanding comprehensive reforms in higher education.
The delegation present during the breaking of the fast included noted actress Shabana Azmi, RJ D Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha, actor Prakash Raj, social activist Yogendra Yadav, senior advocate Prashant Bhushan, and CPI(M) MP Amra Ram.
The delegation praised the student leaders for their commitment to the movement. They also urged them to take the demands forward by garnering public support and through political intervention.
Manoj Jha told the student leaders that the Opposition parties would raise issues of accountability in the examination system and education reforms during the Monsoon Session of Parliament.
After the talks, AISA leaders announced the decision to end the hunger strike. However, they stated that the movement would continue across the country through protests and parliamentary intervention in demand of student rights and education reform.
