Former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has said attempts were made to “mislead” Gen Z during the protests over irregularities surrounding the NEET-UG examination, while acknowledging that the younger generation’s aspirations and determination cannot be ignored. Speaking at an event on Saturday, August 8, Pradhan said he had come to understand that Gen Z needed to be understood rather than resisted. He also said the ministerial position was “not at all a prestige issue” for him and that the interests of the country were above everything else.
His comments come nearly two weeks after he resigned as Education Minister amid sustained student protests demanding accountability over the NEET controversy. Pradhan’s resignation on July 25 came after weeks of demonstrations led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), whose key demand was his removal. The resignation was accepted by President Droupadi Murmu, with Union Minister Pralhad Joshi subsequently given additional charge of the Education Ministry.
‘Gen Z Is A Force That Cannot Be Ignored’
Speaking in Odisha, Pradhan reflected on the growing influence of young Indians and said the determination of the younger generation could outweigh the responsibilities of an Education Minister. Referring to around 20 crore people in the 15-25 age group, he said, “If 20 crore youngsters become determined about something, my responsibility is nothing before their resolve.”
He said he had tried to explain this reality to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who later engaged directly with young people.
Pradhan also described the episode in a light-hearted manner, saying he had “suffered” because of Gen Z’s stubbornness but had eventually realised that the generation had to be understood instead of resisted. At the same time, he alleged that some people had attempted to mislead young protesters during the agitation. He did not elaborate in his latest remarks on who he believed was responsible or identify specific instances of such alleged attempts.
Pradhan added that young people had historically been at the forefront of social and national change, saying every generation had produced young people who made sacrifices for the country.
NEET Controversy, Protests And Pradhan’s Exit
Pradhan’s remarks come against the backdrop of one of the most sustained student-led protests over an examination controversy in recent years. Irregularities were reported in the NEET-UG examination held on May 3, 2026, prompting the Centre to order a CBI investigation, cancel the examination and announce a re-test. More than 20 lakh students were affected by the examination process, making the controversy particularly significant for young people preparing for medical admissions.
The issue subsequently became a rallying point for the CJP-led protests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, where students demanded accountability, examination reforms and Pradhan’s resignation. The agitation continued for more than a month and intensified after clashes between protesters and police during an attempted march towards Parliament. Reuters reported that the movement drew thousands of predominantly Gen Z participants and expanded beyond the immediate examination controversy to wider concerns about accountability, education and employment.
On July 25, Pradhan submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying he had taken responsibility for the situation and that his decision was intended to protect students’ futures and preserve national unity. In his resignation statement, he said the events of the preceding days had pained him and stressed that stepping down was not a matter of personal prestige.
He also said he wanted to ensure that students did not become caught in legal complications and could return their attention to their studies and careers. The government subsequently accepted his resignation, while Pralhad Joshi was given additional charge of the Education Ministry. The CJP later called off its agitation following the resignation and other assurances from the government.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The NEET controversy and the protests that followed underline a simple but important reality: when young people believe that their education, careers and futures are at stake, their concerns deserve to be heard seriously and respectfully. Pradhan’s latest acknowledgement that Gen Z is a force that cannot be ignored is an important recognition of the role young citizens can play in demanding accountability and change. At the same time, allegations of misinformation or attempts to mislead protesters should be addressed through evidence, transparency and open dialogue rather than broad labels.
Young people, governments and institutions all have a role in ensuring that public debate remains peaceful, factual and constructive. The episode also shows why examination systems must inspire confidence, particularly when millions of students invest years of effort in them. Listening to young citizens should not begin only when protests become impossible to ignore; it should be part of governance from the start. What steps do you think can help rebuild young people’s trust in India’s examination and education system?
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Sambalpur, Odisha: At the ‘Matira Mahak’ programme in Sambalpur, former Union Minister and Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan felicitated Padma awardees and distinguished personalities from Western Odisha. Addressing the gathering, he recalled the Delhi protests over the NEET paper… pic.twitter.com/FZY0zRA5Sf
— IANS (@ians_india) August 8, 2026
