NEW DELHI — Education activist Sonam Wangchuk has concluded his 26-day hunger strike at Medanta Hospital, Gurugram, following a breakthrough agreement with the Union Government addressing examination integrity and the protection of peaceful demonstrators.
The 59-year-old activist broke his fast late Thursday night in the presence of Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Dr. Jitendra Singh, along with his wife Gitanjali Angmo and representatives from the Apex Body of Leh Ladakh.
Core Pillars of the Agreement
Wangchuk, who lost over 11 kg during the fast, agreed to step down following written assurances read out by Union Minister J.P. Nadda, covering three critical demands:
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Legislative Action on Exam Reforms: The Centre agreed to take up the issue of examination system accountability, structural educational reforms, and paper leak prevention mechanisms on the floor of Parliament.
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Immunity for Peaceful Demonstrators: The government assured that no criminal charges or cases will be registered against students and citizens who participated in peaceful protests at Jantar Mantar or the July 20 march to Parliament.
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Relief for NEET Leak Affected Families: The administration committed to considering financial compensation for families of students who died by suicide following the recent NEET paper leak scandal.
Administrative Overhaul & National Response
The resolution follows a series of swift structural steps taken by the central government to address growing discontent over national competitive tests:
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Administrative Reorganisation: The Union Education Secretary was removed from office, and special fast-track courts were established to speed up legal proceedings against paper leak syndicates.
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Executive Statements: Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on Wangchuk to focus on his health and recovery, assuring that those culpable for compromising national examinations will face severe legal consequences.
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Bipartisan Outreach: The conclusion of the fast came after continuous engagement from civil society and 65 Members of Parliament across political parties who urged the activist to protect his health and end the 26-day fast.
