India Faces Student Protests over Exam Scandal

The Indian government was set to continue talks on Saturday with representatives of the student protests, which represent one of the biggest challenges for Prime Minister Narendra Modi since he came to power in 2014.

Protesters are demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan following a scandal involving the leak of exam questions for college entrance exams.

The protests unfolded in central Delhi this week, where authorities closed several metro stations and restricted mobile internet access. Tensions were further heightened by Monday's police crackdown on demonstrators, during which several students were injured.

Organizers warn that unless the minister takes personal responsibility, the protests could spread to other parts of the country.

Young people's dissatisfaction stems not only from the exams but also from a lack of jobs, corruption and demands for greater government accountability.

(Reuters, mja)