CJP-Centre 3rd round of talks today, Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation in focus
The Centre and the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) are set to hold their third round of talks on Saturday, with the government's response to the
The Centre and the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) are set to hold their third round of talks on Saturday, with the government's response to the NEET paper leak agitation entering a decisive phase after days of negotiations and outreach. The latest meeting comes after the Centre agreed to two of the CJP' three key demands while seeking more time on the contentious demand for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. Read Full Story Meanwhile, security has been intensified across the national capital in view of the protests. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has closed several metro stations, liquor shops have been directed to shut early and the Delhi Police has cancelled routine leave for all personnel, ordering the entire force to remain on duty to ensure "all hands on the ground". The talks follow a dramatic 48 hours that also saw activist Sonam Wangchuk end his 26-day hunger strike after government assurances, the Union Cabinet approved a draft law proposing up to 10 years' imprisonment and a Rs 10 crore fine for organised paper leak rackets and Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced fast-track courts for paper leak cases. CJP VS CENTRE: TOP DEVELOPMENTS The Centre and the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) are scheduled to hold a third round of talks on Saturday after nearly two hours of discussions on Friday failed to resolve the deadlock over Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. Following the meeting, CJP leader Ashutosh Ranka said the government had sought time until Saturday afternoon to respond to the demand.
Union Minister JP Nadda confirmed that another meeting had been scheduled, saying the Centre would communicate its position after further deliberations. Even as negotiations with the protesters continue, the government sources have firmly rejected the possibility of Dharmendra Pradhan stepping down over the NEET-UG paper leak controversy. Government sources said resignation would be the "easiest thing to do" and would amount to evading responsibility. Instead, they said the government's priority is to overhaul the Testing Agency (NTA), with a detailed assessment of institutional shortcomings already completed and corrective measures expected to be implemented soon. The second round of talks on Friday saw the Centre soften its stance, agreeing to hold negotiations at the Constitution Club instead of a minister's residence and accepting two CJP demands: no FIRs against peaceful participants of the July 20 'Chalo Sansad' march and Rs 1 crore compensation for the families of students who died by suicide over the examination controversy. However, CJP leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka maintained that Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation remains non-negotiable and also sought a public apology over the alleged police action on protesters. The Testing Agency, in one of the biggest administrative actions since the controversy erupted, terminated the services of 47 officials on July 24. The government is also planning a complete revamp of the agency's outsourcing mechanism for examination-related work to improve oversight, strengthen accountability and plug systemic loopholes. Earlier, on Friday afternoon, the Union Cabinet approved a draft bill proposing significantly harsher punishment for paper leak offences. The proposed amendments provide for a minimum five-year jail term, extendable up to 10 years, along with fines of up to Rs 10 crore for organised paper leak rackets.
The BriefWire