NEET Paper Leak: Government Agrees to Lok Sabha Debate as Opposition Seeks Minister's Resignation

New Delhi: The government on Wednesday agreed to a detailed discussion in the Lok Sabha on the alleged NEET paper leak, as Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan met Speaker Om Birla to finalise the terms of the debate.

According to officials, Mr. Pradhan met Mr. Birla in Parliament soon after the government informed the House that it was willing to hold a full-fledged debate on the issue. The government has urged the Speaker to convene a meeting of all party leaders to decide on the rule, date and duration of the discussion.

The NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is the country's primary medical entrance examination. Allegations of a paper leak and other irregularities have sparked protests from opposition parties, who have demanded both a parliamentary debate and the resignation of the Education Minister.

When the House reassembled at noon after an adjournment, Speaker Birla asked Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju to make a statement. However, Congress leader K. C. Venugopal intervened, asserting that the opposition also seeks the resignation of Minister Pradhan over the handling of the controversy.

The opposition has been pressing for a discussion on the NEET paper leak issue and has criticised the government's response to the alleged irregularities. The government's agreement to a debate is seen as a move to address these concerns while maintaining the legislative schedule during the Monsoon Session.

No timeline has been set for the debate, as the government and opposition are expected to negotiate the terms in the coming days. The outcome of the discussion could influence further action, including any potential inquiry or accountability measures.