Sonam Wangchuk Loses 8.2 Kg as Fast Enters Day 16, CJP Protest Fuels Call for Exam Reforms

Educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has lost 8.2 kilograms since joining an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, with his blood glucose level dropping to 67 mg/dL , according to a health update released by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Monday. As Wangchuk's fast entered its 16th day , concerns grew over his deteriorating health, with doctors recording his blood pressure at 107/70 mm Hg .

The broader CJP agitation over alleged examination irregularities entered Day 24 , drawing support from students, activists, and opposition leaders. Wangchuk joined the protest on June 28 and has remained on an indefinite fast since then, turning the movement into a national discussion on educational accountability, examination integrity, and student welfare .

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke urged the Centre to address the protesters' concerns, saying the issue should not become a "battle of egos" when human lives are at stake . He stressed that acknowledging mistakes and taking corrective action would demonstrate accountability and help restore public trust in the education system.

The movement's key demands include the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, a transparent and credible examination system , accountability for alleged irregularities, and Rs 1 crore compensation for families of students who allegedly died by suicide amid examination-related controversies. Protesters argue that repeated allegations surrounding competitive examinations have undermined confidence among students and created uncertainty about fair opportunities.

Support for the agitation continued to grow on Monday. A delegation from the Aam Aadmi Party led by former Delhi chief minister Atishi visited the protest site and backed demands for examination reforms. CPI(M) MP Amra Ram and senior party leaders from Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan also expressed solidarity and supported a proposed peaceful march from Jantar Mantar to Parliament on July 20 , coinciding with the start of the Monsoon Session.

Members of the CPI(ML) Liberation-affiliated All India Students' Association (AISA) continued their own indefinite hunger strike at the site, claiming that the health of participating students has also worsened.

Beyond the immediate demands, the protest has sparked a broader debate on reforms needed to strengthen India's examination system. Education experts and student groups have called for stronger exam security , independent oversight, transparent grievance redressal mechanisms, stricter accountability for lapses, enhanced mental health support, and greater student representation in policymaking. Supporters argue that such measures are essential to rebuilding confidence in public examinations and ensuring that students' futures are determined by merit, fairness, and institutional credibility.