'End of Hunger, beginning of accountability': Sonam Wangchuk ends 26-day fast after govt assurances
New Delhi, July 24
Education reform activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike after receiving assurances from the Central government and Members of Parliament across political parties that the issue of accountability in the country's examination system would be taken up in Parliament.
Announcing the decision on its official X handle on Friday, Wangchuk's team said the fast was called off following commitments from the government regarding key demands raised during the protest.
"END OF HUNGER... BEGINNING OF ACCOUNTABILITY...!" the post read.
It further stated, "Sonam Wangchuk ends his fast after 26 days upon getting assurance from the government and members of parliament of all political parties that the issue of accountability in the failing examination system will be discussed on the floors of the Indian Parliament. The government also gave assurance that families of suicide victims in the recent NEET examination paper leak will be given adequate compensation and that there will be no cases registered against the peacefully protesting students and youths."
In a video message shared along with the announcement, Wangchuk explained the developments that led to his decision to end the fast.
"On the 26th day of my hunger strike, I want to share some important information. A short while ago, Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh came here. Leaders of the Ladakh Apex Body were also present. Before that, as you know, around 65 Members of Parliament from different political parties came here, signed their support, and requested me to end my hunger strike. They assured me that the issue of paper leaks would be discussed. The same assurance was conveyed by the Union Ministers as well. Over the last few days, it took some time to receive a written commitment, and today I have finally received that written assurance," Wangchuk said.
According to the government's statement, the Centre has responded positively to the key concerns raised by the protesters.
The government statement said, "Government is positive on not registering cases against those protesting peacefully in Jantar Mantar and those participating in the march to Parliament on July 20, 2026. Government has already assured a threadbare discussion to find solution to paper leak and educational reforms regarding examination in Parliament. Besides, Government is also positively considering suitable compensation for the suicide victims of recent NEET paper leaks."
Wangchuk's hunger strike had drawn support from students, education activists, civil society groups and lawmakers from multiple political parties, who demanded stronger measures to tackle examination paper leaks and improve accountability in the country's education system.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As someone who moved to India from the US for work, I've seen how exams like NEET and JEE shape lives here. This movement isn't just about paper leaks—it's about the insane pressure on kids. Wangchuk fasting for 26 days shows how desperate the situation is. Good that they're not filing cases against peaceful protesters. That was the right call.
Respect for Sonam Wangchuk, but abhi toh asli kaam baaki hai. Government ne assurance diya hai, but where is the timeline? When will the discussion happen? Will it be in monsoon session or next year? And compensation for suicide victims' families is good, but what about preventing future leaks? Accountability means system change, not just words. Let's hold them to it.
Finally, some good news from India's education front. Wangchuk's protest was the kind of civil disobedience Gandhi would appreciate. The fact that 65 MPs from all parties came shows this isn't political—it's about student welfare. I just hope the government doesn't drag its feet. Exams should measure knowledge, not privilege or connections.
Proud of Sonam Wangchuk for standing up for students. But let's be honest: NEET paper leak was a massive scam. How many students ended their lives because of corruption in the system? If Parliament discusses this seriously and implements reforms like digital exams or centralized question banks, then this fast was worth it. Otherwise, it's just drama. 💔
Wangchuk ji ne jo kiya woh bahut badi ba
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.