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Sonam Wangchuk Ends 26-day Hunger Strike after Govt Assures Action on Paper Leaks, Education Reforms
Moneylife Digital Team 24 July 2026
Economy & Nation
Education reform activist Sonam Wangchuk on Friday ended his 26-day indefinite hunger strike after the Union government assured him that his key demands, including reforms to India's examination system and stronger accountability for paper leak cases, would be taken up in Parliament.
 
The breakthrough came after Union minister of health JP Nadda and Union minister Jitendra Singh met Mr Wangchuk around midnight at the hospital where he was undergoing treatment. Senior leaders of the Apex Body of Leh Ladakh were also present during the meeting.
 
Announcing his decision on social media, Mr Wangchuk said he had finally broken his fast after receiving assurances from the government.
 
"Just now in the presence of Union ministers JP Nadda, Dr Jitendra Singh and the senior leaders of Apex Body of Leh Ladakh, I finally broke my fast after 26 days," he wrote on X.
 
 
His team described the development as the 'end of hunger' and the 'beginning of accountability', saying the fast had been called off after the government and Members of Parliament from across political parties committed to raising the issue of accountability in the country's examination system on the floor of Parliament.
 
Government Gives Written Assurances
In a video message released after ending the fast, Mr Wangchuk said that around 65 members of Parliament (MPs) from different political parties had either visited him or signed letters requesting him to withdraw the agitation.
 
According to Mr Wangchuk, the MPs assured him that the issue of examination paper leaks would be debated in Parliament. He said the same commitment was later conveyed by Union ministers Nadda and Jitendra Singh.
 
Mr Wangchuk said discussions had continued over the past few days as he sought written assurances from the government before ending the protest. He added that he decided to conclude the hunger strike after receiving the written commitment.
 
Parliament Discussion, Compensation Proposed
According to the government's statement, it has agreed to facilitate a detailed discussion in Parliament on examination reforms and measures to tackle paper leaks.
 
The government also indicated that it was positively considering compensation for families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the recent NEET examination paper leak controversy.
 
It further stated that it was favourably considering not registering criminal cases against students and youth who participated peacefully in demonstrations at Jantar Mantar and in the march to Parliament on 20th July20.
 
Protest Focused on Examination Reforms
Mr Wangchuk launched an indefinite hunger strike to press for stronger accountability in the country's examination system following repeated paper leaks that have affected competitive examinations.
 
His protest attracted support from students, education activists, civil society organisations and political leaders cutting across party lines, many of whom demanded stricter safeguards to prevent examination malpractice and improve transparency in recruitment and admission processes.
 
The campaign also gained national attention as lawmakers from different political parties appealed to Wangchuk to end his fast, expressing concern over his deteriorating health.
 
PM Modi Urges Wangchuk To Recover
Following the conclusion of the hunger strike, prime minister (PM) Narendra Modi wished Mr Wangchuk a speedy recovery and urged him to follow medical advice.
 
In a post on X, the prime minister said, "I urge Sonam ji to follow the doctors' advice in his daily routine and regain his old weight as soon as possible. I pray to the Almighty for his good health."
 
The prime minister also said that the Union government has prepared a comprehensive draft Bill proposing stricter legal provisions and tougher punishment for examination paper leak offences.
 
According to the government, the proposed legislation will be considered by the Union Cabinet and is expected to be introduced in Parliament during the ongoing session next week.
 
The conclusion of Mr Wangchuk's 26-day hunger strike brings to a close one of the country's longest recent fasts led by a prominent social activist. The protest evolved into a broader campaign for educational reforms, drawing attention to recurring paper leaks and the need for greater accountability in India's education system.
 
With the government now committing to parliamentary discussions on the issue and indicating legislative action, attention will shift to implementing the promised reforms and to whether the proposed measures succeed in restoring confidence in the integrity of public examinations.
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