NEET Leak Row: BJP Accuses Opposition of Politicising Issue, Defends Government's Response
NEW DELHI: The Rajya Sabha on Tuesday witnessed a heated debate over the NEET-UG paper leak issue, with the BJP defending the government's handling of the matter and accusing the Opposition of politicising the episode for political gain.
Participating in the discussion on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi outlined the steps taken by the government to address student concerns and bring in a tougher law against exam paper leaks.
Trivedi said that senior ministers J P Nadda and Jitendra Singh held talks with protesting students, and also engaged with activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been on a fast for 26 days. He noted that the government agreed to some student demands, that a fast-track court was set up to handle cases, and that a task force under Nandan Nilekani was constituted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Highlighting the key features of the bill, Trivedi said it is based on three principles: a sensitive approach toward students, a secure examination process, and stringent legal action against those responsible for leaks. The bill provides for severe punishment, time-bound investigations, and quicker justice, which he said would act as a deterrent.
Without naming anyone, Trivedi hit out at Opposition members who raised questions about Prime Minister Modi's educational qualifications. "Those who have never faced competition in exams, in education, or in their own political parties are now teaching the government," he said. "In contrast, our leaders and our PM have faced such competitions and risen from the ground."
Support for the bill came from allies. Janata Dal (United) MP Sanjay Jha said the issue should not be looked at from a political perspective. Shiv Sena's Milind Deora suggested giving students a formal role in the consultation process for reforms.
The Opposition, however, has insisted that the government is not doing enough to address the root causes of the paper leak and has called for a thorough, independent investigation. They have also demanded accountability for those responsible and sought to draw attention to the widespread protests by medical aspirants across the country.
The NEET-UG paper leak controversy erupted earlier this year, leading to nationwide demonstrations. Students have been demanding a CBI probe and action against those involved. The government's bill, introduced in the monsoon session, aims to replace an ordinance promulgated in the wake of the protests.
The debate on the bill is expected to continue, with both treasury and opposition benches likely to press their respective positions. The final shape of the legislation, and the adequacy of the government's response, remain matters of intense parliamentary scrutiny.
