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Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Dr Jitendra Singh on Friday held nearly two hours of talks with representatives of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in a fresh attempt to resolve the ongoing standoff over the alleged NEET paper leak and examination reforms. However, the meeting remained inconclusive as the CJP refused to back down from its demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

The meeting, held at the Constitution Club of India, was attended by Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Dr Jitendra Singh on behalf of the Centre, while the CJP was represented by spokespersons Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Nadda said the discussions were held in a cordial atmosphere and the government had heard the group's concerns in detail.

"The meeting went on for almost two hours. They had three main demands and five reform suggestions. We have told them that we will meet them again tomorrow," he said.

The CJP, however, described its demand for Dharmendra Pradhan's resignationas "non-negotiable".

"The government has sought time till tomorrow afternoon on our demand for Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. They have agreed to our two other demands -- ₹1 crore compensation for the families of NEET aspirants who allegedly died by suicide and no legal action against students who participated in the protests," CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said.

He expressed hope that the government would take a decision on the minister's resignation soon.

Friday's meeting marked the second round of talks between the Centre and the CJP and came a day after Dr Jitendra Singh appealed to the protesting group to end the stalemate, saying the government's doors were open for discussions "24/7" at a time convenient to them.

The talks also came a day after activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike following government assurances on several demands raised by the protesting students.

Meanwhile, the Centre has stepped up efforts to address concerns over examination irregularities. The Union Cabinet has approved a bill proposing stricter punishment for those involved in examination paper leaks.

The move came hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the setting up of fast-track courts to exclusively hear paper leak cases and promised tougher action against those responsible.

According to sources, the proposed legislation is likely to provide for imprisonment of up to 10 years and a fine of up to ₹10 crore for those convicted in paper leak cases, significantly increasing the existing punishment of three to five years' imprisonment and a fine of up to ₹10 lakh.