Play store
The Indian government has replaced Higher Education Secretary Vineet Joshi amid escalating protests in New Delhi over alleged examination paper leaks, as part of a broader bureaucratic reshuffle affecting several ministries.
Under an order issued by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), Naresh Pal Gangwar, a 1994-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, has been appointed Secretary of the Department of Higher Education. Joshi has been transferred to the Ministry of Panchayati Raj.
The government did not specify a reason for the move.
The reshuffle comes amid nationwide protests over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination, with demonstrators demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and broader reforms to India’s examination system.
Protesters have accused the government of failing to curb repeated exam paper leaks.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced plans for fast-track courts and tougher measures against those responsible for paper leaks, while the government says it remains open to dialogue with protest leaders.
However, protesters have vowed to continue demonstrations, arguing that the measures do not adequately address systemic problems.
Source: Agencies