The Sikkim University Students’ Association (SUSA) has expressed support for educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, and called for urgent reforms to restore transparency and accountability in India’s public examination system.
In a statement issued on Thursday, SUSA voiced concern over Wangchuk’s worsening health, saying his peaceful fast had grown into a wider movement demanding greater integrity in national examinations. Wangchuk’s indefinite hunger strike entered its 20th day on Friday, with the activist stating that he would “stay alive till July 20 at any cost” despite doctors warning that his condition had become critical.
The association alleged that repeated paper leaks, abrupt cancellation of examinations and administrative lapses had eroded public confidence in national testing agencies. Referring to the 2026 NEET-UG controversy, SUSA said the cancellation of the examination following allegations of widespread paper leaks affected more than 2.28 million candidates, leading to mental stress, delayed admissions and financial hardship for students and their families. It also highlighted similar concerns over examinations such as UGC-NET and CUET.
Drawing attention to the challenges faced by students from Sikkim and other North Eastern states, the association said disruptions to national examinations disproportionately impact candidates from the region because of geographical remoteness, limited access to coaching facilities, connectivity constraints and the high cost of travelling outside the region for preparation and counselling.
SUSA called for comprehensive reforms, including end-to-end digital encryption of examination processes, biometric authentication of candidates and artificial intelligence-based monitoring to prevent paper leaks. It also proposed the creation of an independent Examination Integrity Commission comprising members from the judiciary, academia, civil society and state governments to oversee the functioning of the National Testing Agency and other examination bodies.
The association further urged the introduction of stronger support mechanisms for students from remote and North Eastern regions through expanded outreach programmes, hybrid mock-test facilities and subsidised assistance. It also sought stricter legal action against examination malpractice, regular training of officials and mandatory annual transparency audits.
Appealing to the Union government, the Ministry of Education, the National Testing Agency and the University Grants Commission, SUSA urged the authorities to initiate immediate dialogue with Wangchuk and implement time-bound reforms to rebuild public trust in the country’s examination system.
The protest at Jantar Mantar, led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), began on June 20. Wangchuk joined the agitation on June 28 and has remained on an indefinite hunger strike since then. The CJP has been demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and compensation of Rs 1 crore for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide in connection with examination irregularities.
