Guards allege they receive only ₹7,400 despite university paying agency over ₹15,000 per guard; PF irregularities, fake attendance records surface

Security personnel at Awadhesh Pratap Singh University in Rewa staged a dharna outside the Registrar's office on Monday, alleging economic exploitation, wage irregularities and threats of termination. They were supported by the National Students' Union of India (NSUI), which joined the protest and demanded immediate action.

The guards claimed that while the university pays the security agency more than ₹15,000 per guard, they receive only around ₹7,400 per month. They also alleged that Provident Fund (PF) contributions are being deposited in amounts lower than promised at the time of recruitment.

Questions raised over payment and staff count

During the protest, questions were also raised regarding the number of security personnel and the payments being made. It was alleged that while 35 to 36 security guards are currently working at the university, payments are being processed for 50 personnel. The protesters demanded a fair investigation into the matter.

"At the time of recruitment, we were assured that PF would be deposited properly. But the amounts being credited to our accounts are much less than what was promised," a security guard said.

Attendance register irregularities

The protesters also alleged that the attendance register has been tampered with. They claimed that records have been manipulated and some records are not available at all, raising serious questions about the attendance and payment process.

NSUI leaders who were present at the protest demanded a high-level inquiry into the financial irregularities and exploitation of workers. They warned that if action is not taken soon, the protest will be intensified.

Agency assures investigation

During the dharna, discussions were held with the security agency's supervisor, security officer and field in-charge. Officials said the matter has been brought to the attention of the company management. The company owner, during a telephonic conversation, assured that an investigation would be conducted and action would be taken on the wage-related complaints.

Police present at the spot assured the protesters that the complaints would be investigated and necessary action would be taken.

NSUI and the security guards have warned that if a probe is not conducted and the guilty are not punished soon, the movement will be escalated further.

Raipur police have made fresh arrests in the Class 12 board Hindi question paper leak case, deepening the investigation into what officials describe as a wider network of academic malpractice. A physical training instructor (PTI) teacher from Bemetara district has been arrested along with another accused after revelations that the paper was sold for ₹3,000 to a political student leader.

The case, initially registered on March 17, 2026, after a complaint from the state education board, has now expanded to include scrutiny of examination centre officials and administrative staff. Police said the investigation is ongoing and more arrests are likely.

PTI Teacher Under Scanner

According to Raipur Kotwali police, the PTI teacher, identified as Jawahar Lal Kurre from a government higher secondary school in Bemetara’s Boratra village, allegedly prepared a handwritten version of the leaked question paper. Officials said the handwritten document was then passed on to NSUI leader Venu Kumar Janghel, who is now considered the alleged mastermind in the case. Police further stated that the paper was exchanged for ₹3,000, raising concerns over internal security lapses within the examination system.

Arrests Expand Investigation Scope

Along with the PTI teacher, another accused identified as Vikas Sen has also been arrested. Both are currently being interrogated to determine the full chain of transmission of the leaked paper. Investigators believe the leak was not an isolated incident but part of a coordinated effort involving multiple individuals connected to the examination process. Police sources said the role of additional individuals is under review, and further arrests cannot be ruled out.

NSUI Leader Named Mastermind

During interrogation, NSUI leader Venu Kumar Janghel allegedly admitted that he received the handwritten paper from the PTI teacher. Police described him as the central figure in the leak network. Officials said that the accused was present during the exchange of the question paper along with others involved in the case. The development has intensified political and administrative scrutiny around the incident, although no official political link has been formally established in the investigation so far.

Examination Officials Under Probe

As the investigation deepened, authorities also began examining the role of the examination centre in-charge and the exam controller in Bemetara district. Police said preliminary findings indicate possible negligence and procedural lapses in handling confidential examination material. Officials are now verifying whether internal staff had any direct or indirect involvement in the leak or failed to maintain required security protocols.

How Paper Was Circulated

According to police, the initial complaint was filed after reports surfaced that the Hindi question paper had been circulated on social media platforms before the scheduled examination. Investigators said the paper first appeared on Telegram groups on the night of March 13, 2026, nearly 10 hours before the exam. The leaked document, reportedly handwritten, was shared as an image and quickly spread across multiple online groups, reaching thousands of students within minutes. Officials said the rapid circulation raised serious concerns about digital misuse of examination material.

Social Media Spread Under Lens

Police sources said the leaked paper contained questions that closely resembled the actual examination format, increasing suspicion among officials and students. The image was reportedly shared widely across Telegram channels and later circulated on other social media platforms, reaching an estimated large number of users within a short span of time. Authorities are now investigating the origin of the digital leak and identifying the individuals responsible for uploading and distributing the content online.

Wider Administrative Action Expected

With the involvement of multiple individuals now confirmed, the education department and police are jointly reviewing systemic loopholes in the examination process. Officials said disciplinary action may also be initiated against those found responsible for negligence or procedural failure. Police ACP Deepak Mishra said the investigation is active and more people are likely to be questioned in the coming days as the network behind the leak is being mapped. The case has become a major point of concern in Chhattisgarh’s education system, raising questions about exam security, internal monitoring, and accountability.

NEET Paper Leak: NSUI, Youth Congress Stage Dual Protests in Delhi, Demand Pradhan’s Resignation

Student organisations rally outside NTA office and Education Minister’s residence over alleged exam irregularities and cancellation of NEET-UG 2026

Hundreds of student activists staged coordinated protests in two locations across the national capital on Saturday, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and the removal of the National Testing Agency (NTA) Director General over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak.

The demonstrations, led by Congress-affiliated student wings, came amid growing anger over repeated examination cancellations and what protesters called a “systematic compromise” of young candidates’ futures.

Protest outside NTA headquarters

Around 11 am, members of the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) gathered outside the NTA’s Okhla office. Led by NSUI national president Vinod Jakhar, the crowd tried to push past police barricades, leading to brief scuffles with paramilitary personnel deployed at the spot.

“We will not leave until the NTA is abolished,” shouted one protester as others raised placards reading “Merit over mafias” and “Ban the NTA.”

According to officials at the scene, the crowd swelled to nearly 300 within an hour. The protesters attempted to force their way into the premises but were pushed back by a combination of Delhi Police and central paramilitary forces. No major injuries have been reported so far.

March to minister’s residence

Roughly 12 kilometres away, another group of demonstrators gathered outside Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s official residence on Teen Murti Marg. Youth Congress members, separate from the NSUI contingent, raised slogans demanding Pradhan’s immediate resignation.

Witnesses said the crowd remained largely peaceful but vocal. “The minister cannot wash his hands off this. The paper leak has destroyed months of preparation for lakhs of students,” said a Youth Congress office-bearer who did not wish to be named.

The two protests, though organised separately, shared identical demands: a high-level investigation into the alleged leak, cancellation of the controversial exam cycle, and accountability at the top levels of the NTA.

Slogans and barricades

At the Okhla site, the atmosphere grew tense around midday when several NSUI members attempted to climb over police barricades. Paramilitary personnel immediately intervened, pushing the protesters back. No arrests were made immediately, but police officials said they were monitoring the situation.

Slogans raised included “Education Minister, resign,” “NTA Director General, resign,” and “Give justice to NEET students.” Former Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) president Ronak Khatri was also present at the NTA protest, according to student leaders at the venue.

Security stepped up

Authorities had deployed additional forces in both locations since early morning. Paramilitary personnel stood guard outside the NTA office, while Delhi Police maintained a heavy presence around Teen Murti Marg.

A senior police officer told reporters that security arrangements were made after intelligence inputs suggested large mobilisations. “We are allowing peaceful protest but will not tolerate any attempt to breach law and order,” the officer said on condition of anonymity.

Background of the controversy

The protests follow allegations that the NEET-UG 2026 question paper was leaked hours before the examination held earlier this month. The NTA, which conducts the test, has faced intense scrutiny over repeated irregularities. Several student groups have accused the agency of mismanagement and lack of transparency.

The education ministry has not yet issued an official statement on Saturday’s protests. Calls to the NTA spokesperson went unanswered at the time of filing this report.

With the next hearing on the matter expected in the Supreme Court later this month, student leaders have threatened to escalate their agitation if their demands are not met.

NSUI Protests Outside CM House Over Student Union Poll Delay in Raipur

NSUI workers staged a protest demanding restoration of student union elections in Raipur, alleging the government is avoiding polls over fear of defeat.

Protest Near CM House

Tension briefly escalated in Raipur on Thursday as members of the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) marched towards the Chief Minister’s residence demanding the restoration of student union elections in Chhattisgarh colleges and universities.

Workers from multiple districts gathered near Mahila Thana Chowk before beginning the march towards the CM House. The protest was led by senior NSUI office-bearers along with Congress leaders, including MLA Devendra Yadav.

Heavy police deployment was seen around the CM House area from the morning itself. Barricades were placed at several points and security arrangements were tightened in four layers anticipating a large gathering.

Barricades Breached

As protesters attempted to move ahead towards the restricted zone, police stopped them near the barricading. A brief scuffle followed after several workers allegedly tried to push through the barricades.

According to officials present at the spot, some protesters threw sticks during the confrontation, though no serious injuries were reported till late evening. Police personnel later managed to disperse the crowd and prevent further movement towards the CM residence.

Visuals from the protest showed NSUI members climbing barricades, lying on roads during the demonstration, and raising slogans against the state government. One protester also arrived on a bulldozer, drawing attention during the agitation.

Congress Targets Government

Congress leaders accused the BJP-led state government of intentionally delaying student union elections fearing defeat at the campus level.

Addressing party workers during the protest, Congress MLA Devendra Yadav claimed the government was aware that NSUI-backed candidates would secure large victories if elections were held.

“The government is scared of losing student elections. Students are ready to challenge the system,” he said while addressing supporters gathered at the venue.

His remarks on political struggle also drew attention during the protest. Referring to NSUI National President Vinod Jakhar, Yadav said leaders who fight and even go to jail often rise politically within the party structure.

Vinod Jakhar Addresses Workers

NSUI National President Vinod Jakhar also addressed the gathering and spoke about his own political journey through student politics.

He said he became Rajasthan University president before later serving in organisational roles within NSUI. Jakhar added that the Congress gives opportunities to people from ordinary families who may not have a political background.

“Rahul Gandhi wants young people to come forward and challenge the government,” he told workers during the programme.

The protest meeting witnessed the presence of both NSUI and Congress leaders on the same stage, signalling the party’s attempt to sharpen its outreach among students ahead of future political campaigns in the state.

Demand For Elections

NSUI leaders have been demanding the revival of regular student union elections in colleges across Chhattisgarh. Student leaders argue that campus elections are necessary for democratic participation and leadership development among youth.

The issue has remained politically sensitive in the state, with opposition parties repeatedly accusing the government of delaying the process without a clear timeline.

Several protesters said students from different districts had travelled overnight to participate in Thursday’s agitation in Raipur.

Security Remained Tight

Even after the main crowd was dispersed, security remained heightened around the CM House area till late afternoon. Traffic movement on some connecting roads was also briefly affected because of the protest and police deployment.

Officials said the situation was eventually brought under control and no major law-and-order breakdown occurred during the demonstration.

NSUI leaders indicated that further protests could be organised if the government does not announce a decision regarding student union elections in the coming weeks.

The National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) on Wednesday submitted a memorandum to the principal of Thakur Ranmat Singh College in Rewa, highlighting grievances over non-generation of Sambhal Yojana card codes and pending scholarships. The action came after several students pursuing BBA and BCA courses complained they were being forced to pay over ₹25,000 in lump sum fees.

Sambhal Card Code Trouble

District president Pankaj Upadhyay, who led the delegation, said the absence of Sambhal card codes is making it impossible for students to avail fee waivers in instalments. “Without a generated code, the system pushes them to pay the full amount at once. Most of our students come from middle-class and farming backgrounds. This kind of upfront payment is unaffordable,” he told reporters outside the principal’s office.

Majority of the affected students are enrolled in professional courses that fall under the state’s Sambhal Yojana, designed to provide financial support to eligible categories. However, college authorities have reportedly not processed the codes on time, leaving students with no option but to pay the full annual fee.

Scholarship Delays Add to Crisis

The NSUI has also accused the college administration of collecting full fees under the assurance that scholarships would be reimbursed later. Upadhyay claimed that several students have not received their scholarship amounts for the past two academic years.

“They take the money upfront, and then keep saying the refund will come after the session ends. But years have passed, and families are still waiting. It’s a vicious cycle,” he said.

Local sources indicate that around 200 students across the BBA and BCA programmes are currently stuck in this limbo. With no clarity from the college or the state’s scholarship portal, many have had to borrow money or sell household assets to meet admission deadlines.

What the College Says

Principal of TRS College was not available for an on-record comment by the time this report was filed. However, a junior administrative staff member said, “The principal has received the memorandum. We are looking into the technical issues on the Sambhal portal. Scholarships are released by the state government, not the college.”

NSUI leaders rejected this explanation, pointing out that colleges are responsible for timely verification and code generation. They demanded that the principal issue a clear timeline for resolving both issues.

Three-Day Ultimatum

Upadhyay issued a stern warning: if no action is taken within three days, the union will launch an aggressive agitation in the interest of students. “We are not here to create trouble. But forced payment of ₹25,000 when the government clearly has a waiver scheme — that’s not acceptable,” he said.

The protest comes at a time when colleges across Madhya Pradesh are wrapping up admissions for the current semester. Education department officials have previously directed institutions to ensure no eligible student is denied benefits under Sambhal Yojana, but ground-level implementation remains patchy.

District administration sources said they have taken note of the issue. A meeting between college officials and NSUI representatives is expected within the next 48 hours. Meanwhile, students have been advised to keep their documentation ready for verification in case a fresh drive for Sambhal card codes is announced.

Vice-president Satyam Mishra, Rewa assembly president Sanskar Tripathi, district secretary Ajay Singh, and university unit president Vishu Vardhan Singh were among those present during the memorandum submission.

NSUI to Gherao CM House in Raipur Demanding Student Union Polls

NSUI gears up for CM House protest as student union elections emerge as political flashpoint in Chhattisgarh

The National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) is set to lay siege to the Chief Minister’s residence here this afternoon at 4 PM, pressing for the immediate restoration of student union elections in universities and colleges across Chhattisgarh. The protest comes amid growing demands from student outfits to revive a democratic process that has remained suspended for years.

Senior leaders from both Congress and BJP camps have voiced support for holding the polls, even as they traded charges over the prolonged delay.

Cross-party consensus with political barbs

Conversations with established politicians and young faces in Raipur’s political scene reveal broad agreement on the need for student elections, though accompanied by sharp finger-pointing.

Congress veteran and former Raipur mayor Pramod Dubey described student union polls as the “primary school of leadership.” He emphasised that campus elections nurture administrative skills, organisational abilities, and democratic values among the youth. Many prominent state and national leaders, he noted, began their journey through student politics.

Dubey acknowledged that preparations were underway during the previous Congress regime under Bhupesh Baghel but were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. “The situation did not permit it then,” he said.

BJP leaders push for regular polls

BJP leader and active municipal figure Mrityunjay Dubey strongly backed the conduct of elections as a healthy democratic tradition. He highlighted that elected student representatives are best placed to take up issues related to admissions, examinations, results, and academic facilities with the administration.

“When an 18-year-old can vote to elect panch, sarpanch, councillor, MLA, MP, CM, and even the Prime Minister, why should he or she be denied the right to choose representatives in their own college?” Dubey asked.

He, however, questioned the timing of NSUI’s aggressive push, asking why the issue was not pursued seriously during Congress rule.Youth leaders spar over intent and timing,

Prakhar Mishra, former president of Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University (PTRSU) student union and ex-state minister of BJYM, affirmed his organisation’s consistent support for student polls. He argued that such elections provide opportunities to youth from poor and middle-class families, improve the education environment, and produce grounded leadership.

Yet Mishra accused NSUI of political opportunism. “ABVP has traditionally dominated these elections and NSUI has not tasted much success. Now raising the demand looks like a political stunt,” he remarked.

NSUI’s Raipur district president Shantanu Jha countered by citing the pandemic. “From 2019 to 2022 the country was battling COVID. Health was the priority and elections were put on hold. As soon as normalcy returned, we began pushing for them,” he said.

Jha claimed that had Congress returned to power, the polls would have been conducted. He challenged other parties: “If it did not happen then, let it happen now. We extend our full support.”

Background of the demand

Student union elections in Chhattisgarh have been stalled since the Baghel government’s tenure, largely due to the pandemic and subsequent administrative delays. NSUI has intensified its campaign in recent weeks, submitting memorandums in over 250 colleges and staging protests at PTRSU and other campuses.

On Tuesday, NSUI workers led by PTRSU unit president Puneshwar Lahre submitted a memorandum to the registrar, proctor, and DSW of the university, warning of stronger agitation if demands are not met.

The issue resonates strongly with students who argue that elected bodies can better address day-to-day academic grievances compared to nominated representatives.

What lies ahead

With both major parties’ representatives endorsing the principle of student elections, the focus now shifts to the state government’s response to today’s gherao. Political observers say the protest could set the tone for how quickly the administration moves on the long-pending demand.

As evening approaches, NSUI activists are expected to gather in significant numbers, turning the spotlight once again on campus democracy in Chhattisgarh. Whether today’s demonstration yields concrete assurances or leads to further escalation remains to be seen.

Rewa: NSUI protests mandatory bus fee at PM Excellence College

Student union submits memorandum to Deputy CM Rajendra Shukla, warns of large-scale agitation if fee structure is not revised within 10 days.

The PM Excellence College (Model Science College) in Rewa has been hit by a wave of student unrest over the mandatory imposition of bus fees. On Tuesday, members of the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) took to the streets to protest against what they termed "forced collection" from students who do not even utilize the college transport facility.

Memorandum handed to Deputy CM

Led by NSUI District President Pankaj Upadhyay, a delegation of students met with Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla to voice their grievances. The representatives submitted a formal memorandum detailing the financial burden being placed on the student body. The meeting, which took place late yesterday, saw the Deputy CM listen to the concerns, though students are demanding immediate administrative action rather than just verbal assurances.

Limited infrastructure, high charges

The core of the dispute lies in the college's limited transport infrastructure. According to NSUI leaders, the number of buses available is nowhere near sufficient for the total student strength. "The college has a very limited number of buses and the capacity is low. Furthermore, the buses are proposed to run only in two rounds," Pankaj Upadhyay told reporters. He argued that under these circumstances, making the fee compulsory for every student—regardless of whether they live nearby or use private transport—is logically and ethically flawed.

Pressure on middle-class families

The student body pointed out that the flat fee structure is hitting those from economically weaker sections the hardest. Many students enrolled in the Model Science College come from rural pockets of Rewa and nearby districts, often relying on bicycles or public transport to save costs. "Imposing a uniform bus fee is an unnecessary financial load on poor and middle-class students. It is simply not justified," a protesting student said.

Demand for "Pay-per-use" model

The NSUI has demanded that the college administration shift to a voluntary fee model. The union’s stand is clear: bus fees should only be charged to those who actually opt for the service. They have called for a transparent registration process where students can sign up for the transport facility at the start of the semester, rather than having the amount bundled into the general tuition and development fees.

Ten-day ultimatum for administration

The protest has concluded for now, but the atmosphere remains tense on campus. The NSUI has issued a strict 10-day ultimatum to the college management and the district administration to resolve the fee disparity. Union leaders warned that if no concrete decision is taken within this window, hundreds of students will launch a "forceful agitation" across the city.

Local authorities confirmed that they are looking into the fee structure of the PM Excellence College to see if any middle ground can be reached. For now, the ball is in the administration's court as students wait for the 10-day deadline to expire.