Hyderabad, 14 June
Fear, Anger and Hope: Voices from Hyderabad’s CJP Protest Over NEET, CBSE Exam Controversies. Students, parents, teachers and concerned citizens gathered at Dharna Chowk in Hyderabad on Sunday, June 14, under the banner of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), demanding accountability over alleged irregularities in this year’s NEET UG and CBSE examinations.
The protest drew participants from various age groups and backgrounds, united by concerns over transparency, fairness and accountability in India’s education system. Demonstrators called for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address the concerns raised by students and parents.
Students and Parents Lead the Movement
The gathering was largely made up of students who had spent months preparing for competitive examinations and parents who had invested significant time, effort and resources into their children’s education.
Among the protesters was 13-year-old Maira Thousif Khan, who attended the demonstration with her father carrying a placard demanding accountability from education authorities.
Addressing the gathering, Maira said education should remain accessible to all sections of society and not become a privilege reserved for those with financial means.
The Class 9 student said she supports the movement because she believes every child has the right to quality education and a fair examination system.
Former Parliamentary Reporter Sees a Need for Accountability
Seventy-three-year-old Kasturi, a retired parliamentary reporter who covered proceedings in the Lok Sabha between 1984 and 1996, also joined the protest.
She said she attended the event because she believes public accountability has weakened over time.
Reflecting on her experience covering national politics, Kasturi said leaders in earlier decades were often expected to accept responsibility when controversies emerged. According to her, citizens today increasingly feel that accountability is missing from public institutions.
Despite her concerns, she said the large turnout at the protest gave her hope that citizens continue to care about issues affecting students and education.
Anxiety About the Future
The protest also highlighted concerns among young graduates regarding employment opportunities and the quality of education.
Twenty-two-year-old Avtaar Singh, a recent electronics and communications graduate from the Government Institute of Electronics in Secunderabad, said uncertainty about the future remains a major concern for many young people.
He spoke about challenges faced by students from government educational institutions, including limited infrastructure and difficulties competing in English-language job interviews.
According to Singh, these challenges continue to affect students long after they complete their education.
Teachers Express Solidarity
Teachers were also among those participating in the demonstration.
Ayesha Qamer, an Arabic teacher, said educators often witness the hard work students put into preparing for examinations and understand the frustration they experience when controversies emerge.
She argued that concerns regarding the management of government schools often push families toward expensive private education, increasing financial pressure on parents.
Qamer said many students today face intense academic pressure and uncertainty about their future prospects.
Activists Recall Previous Examination Controversies
Environmental activist Arunya Jyothi Edla, associated with Climate Front Hyderabad, said concerns about examination transparency are not new.
Referring to previous examination paper leak controversies, she argued that students frequently bear the emotional burden of administrative failures.
According to her, examination cancellations and allegations of irregularities create anxiety, uncertainty and stress among students who spend months preparing for highly competitive tests.
Growing Support Beyond Aspirants
The protest also attracted young people who were not directly affected by NEET or medical entrance examinations.
Arnold, a filmmaking graduate from Bhavans Vivekananda College in Sainikpuri, attended the event in solidarity with students. – Fear, Anger and Hope
He said that regardless of the field of study, students can relate to the disappointment and stress caused when examinations become uncertain after months of preparation.
A Call for Transparency and Accountability
While the protest did not produce immediate policy outcomes, participants said it served as a platform for students, parents and citizens to express their concerns about the education system.
Speakers throughout the event emphasized the need for greater transparency, accountability and fairness in examinations that shape the future of millions of students across the country.
For many who gathered at Dharna Chowk, the protest represented more than opposition to examination controversies. It was also a call for reforms aimed at protecting student interests and restoring trust in public institutions. – Fear, Anger and Hope
Key Highlights
- CJP organized a protest at Hyderabad‘s Dharna Chowk.
- Demonstrators raised concerns over alleged NEET UG and CBSE exam irregularities.
- Students, parents, teachers and activists participated.
- Protesters demanded accountability from education authorities.
- Participants highlighted concerns about transparency and fairness in examinations.
- Young graduates spoke about education and employment challenges.
- The protest focused on protecting student interests and ensuring trust in the examination system.