New Delhi: Union Health Minister J P Nadda on Wednesday said the Centre would respond to activist Sonam Wangchuk’s open letter and continue discussions on the issues he has raised, following a meeting with him at Medanta Hospital.
Nadda, accompanied by Union Minister Jitendra Singh, visited Wangchuk after he was shifted from Safdarjung Hospital to Medanta, where he is receiving treatment.
Speaking to reporters, Nadda said the ministers enquired about Wangchuk’s health and requested him to end his indefinite hunger strike. He also appealed to the activist to rejoin the mainstream and continue guiding the country’s youth in a positive direction.
The minister said the government remained open to discussions on all issues raised by Wangchuk and assured that his letter would receive a formal response. He added that the dialogue would continue after the government’s reply.
Earlier in the day, Wangchuk said he would call off his indefinite fast only if the Centre provided an unequivocal assurance that no punitive or retaliatory action would be taken against students and young people who participated in protests over the alleged examination irregularities.
In his letter addressed to Nadda and Jitendra Singh, Wangchuk said the ministers had assured him that the government would positively consider his demands, including adequate compensation for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the NEET paper leak controversy and a meaningful discussion in Parliament on examination related issues.
However, he said one key concern remained unresolved. Wangchuk sought a clear commitment from the government that no legal action would be initiated against students and protesters who took part in the demonstrations, arguing that they had only raised their voices in support of a fair and accountable education system.
The exchange comes amid continuing protests over the alleged NEET paper leak, with students and activists demanding greater transparency, accountability and reforms in the country’s examination process.
