India to raise exam leak penalties after Cockroach party protests

The parliament approved a comprehensive reform bill on Tuesday, marking the first major legislative response to a wave of youth‑led demonstrations that have swept the nation over the past month. Protesters demanded sweeping changes to the education system, employment policies, and climate action, and their rallies culminated in the resignation of the Minister of Education last week. The new legislation incorporates a series of measures aimed at expanding vocational training, increasing funding for renewable‑energy projects, and establishing independent oversight bodies for university governance.

The bill, which passed with a majority of 78 votes, mandates the creation of a national youth advisory council to monitor implementation of the reforms and to report annually to the legislature. It also stipulates a phased reduction of tuition fees for low‑income students, introduces a minimum wage increase tied to inflation, and allocates $1.2 billion for green infrastructure in urban areas. Lawmakers highlighted that the provisions were drafted in consultation with civil‑society groups and reflect many of the specific demands voiced during the protests.

With the legislation now enacted, government officials indicated that the reforms will take effect over the next twelve months, and an independent audit will assess progress at the end of the period. The swift passage of the bill underscores the influence of the recent demonstrations and signals a commitment to address the concerns that prompted the minister’s resignation.