No Paper Leaks in Punjab Under AAP, Says CM, as Pharmacy Exam Cheating Racket Unearthed
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann stated on Sunday that no competitive examination paper has been leaked during the four-and-a-half years of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, even as a cheating racket was uncovered in a pharmacy officers' recruitment exam.
The remarks come amid opposition demands for the resignation of Education Minister Harjot Bains, who has alleged that the incident was a 'cheating racket' rather than a paper leak. The exam was held on July 19 at Baba Farid University of Health Sciences in Faridkot.
Police investigations revealed that candidates used hidden pen cameras to photograph the question paper. The images were sent via WhatsApp to a mastermind in Haryana, who dictated answers back to select candidates through Bluetooth earpieces and wireless devices concealed in turbans, socks, and undergarments. The syndicate reportedly charged between Rs 3.5 lakh and Rs 13 lakh for guaranteed passing marks. At least 35 individuals have been arrested, including candidates and conspirators.
Addressing a gathering after felicitating NEET qualifiers from government schools in Zirakpur, Mann said, 'It has been more than four years since our government assumed office and not a single examination paper has leaked in Punjab. Recently, when an attempt to facilitate cheating in the pharmacy officer examination came to our notice, we acted immediately.'
Separately, Bains posted on Instagram, 'The protests against the BJP-led Centre have proved that our country is in safe hands... youths are aware. But now some people are demanding my resignation. The problem with them is that they never get facts right and now they are saying a paper leak happened in Punjab also.' He added, 'Firstly, it was not a paper leak, it was cheating. Those who cheated were held on the spot. Also, the issue is not of my department, but that of my colleague, but the Cabinet has an overall responsibility so I cannot run away.' Medical education and research falls under the Health Department, headed by Dr. Balbir Singh.
Mann assured, 'All those involved have been sent behind bars. I assure every young person in Punjab that this government will never allow even a single incident of paper leakage or cheating to compromise their future.' He also highlighted that the state has established a merit-based system without influence of cash or recommendations.
The Chief Minister noted a significant increase in NEET qualifiers from Punjab government schools—from 82 in 2022 to 882 this year—calling it a 'historic achievement' and a reflection of transformation in the education system.
Referring to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over the NEET paper leak issue, Mann said that Gen-Z has made a 'stubborn government' bow. He mentioned that 22 students committed suicide after the NEET paper leak, questioning whether monetary compensation can bring them back. He lauded students' potential and called for constructive channeling of their energy.
Bains, who participated in student protests in Delhi, said he was the only sitting state education minister to join students on the ground at Jantar Mantar, without going on stage.
