Indian riot police used batons on protesters in New Delhi on Monday as they marched towards Parliament. This is an escalation of protests demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan due to irregularities in entrance exams or student evaluations. TASR informs about it based on the AFP report.

Millions of candidates deceived and a huge leakage of test questions

“We want the government to listen to us and not try to silence us,” said one of the protesting students. The police claimed that the demonstrators did not have a permit to hold the protest.

About 2.2 million applicants to study medicine in India took repeated entrance exams in June, which were held under tight security measures after the original testing was canceled due to leaking questions, writes AFP. This case, along with problems in the evaluation of high school exams, has sparked widespread criticism and protests from young people in India.

Hospitalization of the activist

Monday’s protest also followed activist Sonam Vángčuk being rushed to hospital on Saturday, abruptly ending his hunger strike in support of the youth and satirical movement People’s Party of Swabians (CJP).

CJP has gained millions of followers on social media since it was founded in May, building on young people’s anger at the troubled education system and unemployment. Millions of people are unable to find stable and well-paid jobs despite the country’s rapid economic growth, fueling discontent.

On Monday, internet connection was interrupted in some parts of the Indian capital, AFP reported.