After the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protests over alleged examination irregularities, the Central Government has appointed IAS officer Naresh Pal Gangwar as the new Secretary of the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education.

The appointment comes at a time when protests demanding greater accountability in the education system are continuing in Delhi.

Naresh Pal Gangwar Replaces Vineet Joshi

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved the appointment of Naresh Pal Gangwar, a 1994-batch IAS officer from the Rajasthan cadre, as the new Higher Education Secretary.

He replaces Vineet Joshi, a 1992-batch IAS officer, who has now been transferred as the Secretary of the Department of Panchayati Raj.

Before taking up his new position, Gangwar served as the Secretary of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying.

Who Is Naresh Pal Gangwar?

Naresh Pal Gangwar is an IAS officer with a strong academic and administrative background.

Educational Qualifications

• B.Tech in Electronics and Communication Engineering from IIT Roorkee
• Master's degree in Communication and Radar Engineering from IIT Delhi
• Master's degree in Economics from the University of Rajasthan

Gangwar has held several important positions in both the Central and Rajasthan governments over the years.

Key Roles Held by Naresh Pal Gangwar

Before becoming the Higher Education Secretary, Gangwar served as:

• Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying
• Joint Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
• Principal Secretary, Government of Rajasthan

During his tenure at the Environment Ministry, he managed pollution control and hazardous substances management.

His administrative experience is expected to play an important role in shaping higher education policies.

Appointment Comes Amid CJP Protest

Gangwar's appointment comes while the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) continues its protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi.

The movement, which began on June 20, has focused on alleged examination irregularities and demands for greater accountability in the education system.

The protest gained nationwide attention after activist Sonam Wangchuk began an indefinite hunger strike in support of the movement. He later ended his 26-day fast in the presence of Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh, along with senior leaders of the Apex Body of Leh Ladakh.

Talks Between CJP and the Government Continue

The first direct meeting between representatives of the CJP and the Central Government was held earlier this week.

Another round of discussions is expected to take place at the Constitution Club of India, where CJP leaders and Union Ministers are likely to discuss the group's demands.

According to CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka, the venue was selected following the organisation's request.

PM Modi Assures Strict Action

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured strict action against those responsible for examination paper leak cases.

In a video shared on X, the Prime Minister announced that the Union Cabinet will consider a draft Bill proposing Fast-Track Courts and stricter punishment for those involved in examination-related offences.

Focus on Education Reforms

The appointment of Naresh Pal Gangwar comes at a crucial time as the government faces increasing demands for education reforms, greater transparency in examinations, and stronger action against those responsible for alleged paper leak cases.

With ongoing discussions between the government and CJP, the focus remains on improving the examination system and restoring public confidence in the country's education process.