Protests have erupted in India’s capital, New Delhi, as young protesters demand change to a national exam system they say cheats millions of them out of a fair chance. The protesters, mostly Gen-Z, have been met with tear gas and police violence, with about 150 taken to hospital with injuries.

Background

The protests were organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a youth-led movement that began as a joke but has since grown into a political force articulating the frustrations of millions of young Indians. The CJP has spearheaded the recent protests over allegations that entrance exam papers for prestigious and highly competitive medical schools had been leaked and sold.

India’s education system has long been mired in controversy, including exam paper leaks and technical failures, placing a crushing burden on students and financial strain on families investing everything in their children. The protesters are refusing to back down, setting up a continued confrontation with Narendra Modi’s government.

Government Response

Modi has not publicly responded to the protesters’ demands. On Tuesday, he sent a message via the minister of parliamentary affairs, who told reporters that the Indian leader was committed to ensuring no more paper leaks. The education minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, is also yet to publicly comment on Monday’s protests.

Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.