As a student deeply affected by the recent ups and downs in the Indian education system, I am compelled to voice my concerns and seek immediate action. Since the change in leadership from Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' to Dharmendra Pradhan, we have witnessed distressing instances of paper leaks and inefficiencies in the implementation of the New Education Policy (NEP). These incidents have not only disrupted our academic journey but have also taken a toll on our mental well-being.

Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank', the former Education Minister of India, was instrumental in setting the foundations for the New Education Policy with a vision to transform India's educational framework. His contributions were significant in initiating reforms aimed at making education more holistic, adaptive to the 21st-century needs, and equitable for all segments of society. Moreover, he was much more accessible for the students in comparison to Dharmendra Pradhan.

On social media, students fondly called him "Pokhu Chacha" because he removed the unnecessary 75% 12th boards percentage criteria in JEE Mains and giving an extra attempt to the students having their final JEE attempt in 2020. His departure has left a vacuum that is evident by the recent shortcomings under the current administration.

The past five years under the leadership of Dharmendra Pradhan have been marked by unprecedented crises that have shaken the confidence of millions of students across the country:

1. Repeated Examination Leaks: The National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducts NEET, JEE, CUET, and NET, faced sustained scrutiny through Pradhan's tenure over technical glitches, faulty grade marking, data security failures, and reliance on outsourcing. In 2024, allegations of paper leaks and grace-mark anomalies triggered nationwide protests, Supreme Court intervention, and a CBI probe. In 2026, the NEET-UG exam was cancelled after leaks were traced to guess papers circulating from coaching centres, disrupting millions of aspirants. The UGC-NET exam was also cancelled in 2024 following intelligence that question papers had leaked on the dark net. These repeated failures have destroyed the dreams of countless students who had prepared for years.
2. Student Protests and Administrative Breakdown: Students occupied Jantar Mantar for close to a month, with hunger strikes leading to hospitalisation, and a march toward Parliament met with tear gas. The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) launched an indefinite protest demanding Pradhan's resignation.
3. Loss of Trust: Opposition leaders and student bodies have called Pradhan a "symbol of the collapse of our education system". His tenure has been defined by severe administrative controversies concerning the testing ecosystem.

In stark contrast, Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal's tenure as Education Minister (May 2019 – July 2021) was marked by visionary reforms, student-centric policies, and administrative integrity. His contributions include:

1. Architect of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: Dr. Pokhriyal spearheaded the National Education Policy 2020, which emphasizes foundational literacy, multilingualism, and vocational integration to reform India's education framework. More than two lakh suggestions were received on the proposed NEP and were extensively examined. He oversaw the implementation of 'SARTHAQ' (Students' and Teachers' Holistic Advancement through Quality Education), the NEP Implementation Plan for School Education. He also recommended the constitution of a task force and committees to ensure speedy implementation of NEP. The NEP aims to shift the education system towards real understanding, away from rote learning.
2. Student Welfare Initiatives: Dr. Pokhriyal launched 'Manodarpan', an initiative under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan to provide psychosocial support to students for their mental health and well-being. He also launched a helpline portal to address students' difficulties related to accommodation, food, online classes, examinations, scholarships, and harassment.
3. Commitment to Holistic Education: Dr. Pokhriyal stressed the need to train students as well as teachers for the successful implementation of NEP. He emphasized that the goal of education is not only to increase knowledge but also to inculcate behaviour promoting consciousness about good health. He inaugurated "Anandam: The Center for Happiness" at IIM Jammu, incorporating happiness in the academic curriculum.
4. Crisis Management During COVID-19: Despite constraints due to COVID-19, the online education system proved successful under Dr. Pokhriyal's leadership, and he lauded the efforts of students, teachers, and the government in compensating for the pandemic's effect on education.
5. Integrity in Examination Conduct: Dr. Pokhriyal (2019–21) faced no major examination leak during his tenure. His focus remained on systemic reforms rather than crisis management.

Paper leaks are not a mere bureaucratic hiccup; they symbolize a broader failure of maintaining the sanctity and integrity of our education system. They jeopardize the future of countless students who work tirelessly to achieve academic excellence. While the NEP promised innovative changes and a brighter future, the lack of substantial progress and the inefficacies in its implementation have left students like me in a state of confusion and uncertainty.

Reinstating Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' as the Education Minister could restore the much-needed order and direction in our education system. He has proven his commitment to education through robust policies and initiatives which started paving the way for transformative change. Under his stewardship, strides can be made to rectify the current issues, ensure the smooth execution of the NEP, and safeguard our academic credibility.

In light of the above, we, the students of India, respectfully pray that:

1. Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' be reappointed as the Union Minister of Education to restore the credibility, integrity, and visionary direction of India's education system.
2. The Government of India and the Bharatiya Janata Party recognise that the future of 1.5 billion Indians depends on a robust, trustworthy, and forward-looking education system—one that Dr. Pokhriyal has demonstrated he can deliver.
3. The appointment of any future Education Minister be made with due consideration of their track record, vision for students, and commitment to educational excellence.

By signing this petition, you join us in urging the leadership to take this vital step for the betterment of education in India, ensuring a promising future for all students. Your signature can make a difference. Stand with us in demanding effective leadership and the reinstatement of Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank'. Please sign this petition to make our voices heard.