24 July,2026 01:35 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Shiv Sena Rajya Sabha MP Milind Deora. File Photo
Shiv Sena Rajya Sabha MP Milind Deora on Friday said India's youth want to be treated as partners in shaping the country's future and stressed that education lies at the heart of those aspirations, amid continuing protests over alleged examination irregularities and demands for reforms in the education system.
Deora, whose party is an ally of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the Centre, also welcomed activist Sonam Wangchuk's decision to end his indefinite hunger strike, expressing hope that it would pave the way for constructive dialogue.
In a post on social media, the Shiv Sena MP said young people should be actively involved in shaping the country's future and that the education system must reflect their aspirations.
"India's youth want to be treated as partners in shaping our future. Education remains at the heart of those aspirations," Deora said.
His remarks came as protests continue in several parts of the country over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, with demonstrators demanding greater accountability and reforms in the examination system.
Deora also welcomed Sonam Wangchuk's decision to end his hunger strike after receiving assurances from the Centre regarding discussions on examination reforms and accountability.
"I welcome @Wangchuk66 ji's decision to end his fast & hope this marks the beginning of constructive engagement," he said.
Wangchuk had begun his indefinite fast on June 28 at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi in support of demands raised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which has been seeking accountability over alleged examination irregularities, reforms in the education system and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The activist ended his fast after Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh met him and assured him that his concerns would be addressed.
Expressing confidence in the Centre's approach, Deora said the government would continue strengthening safeguards to prevent examination paper leaks.
"On behalf of @Shivsenaofc, I am confident that the Government of India led by PM @narendramodi ji will continue strengthening safeguards so that exam paper leaks become a thing of the past.
"Our goal must be to build the world's most trusted, transparent & robust education system that gives every student a fair chance to succeed," Deora added while tagging Shiv Sena president and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
The protests over alleged examination irregularities have continued in several cities, including Mumbai, where demonstrations have been held in solidarity with the CJP-led agitation.
Opposition parties and student groups have been demanding accountability over the alleged paper leak cases and reforms in the examination system, while the Centre has announced plans to introduce legislation providing for stricter action against those involved in examination fraud.
The proposed anti-paper leak Bill is expected to be introduced during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament as the government seeks to strengthen legal provisions aimed at protecting the integrity of competitive examinations.
