PM Modi Calls Paper Leaks a National Betrayal, Demands Strictest Action
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has described the leaking of examination papers as a national betrayal and called for the strictest possible punishment for those responsible. The statement was conveyed by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju after the NDA Parliamentary Party's 'Mangal Milan' meeting on Tuesday.
According to Rijiju, the Prime Minister emphasised that preventing such leaks is a collective national responsibility. He urged all political parties to work together to build a foolproof examination system that protects the future of India's youth.
Addressing the NDA allies, Modi called for unity in supporting legislative business and appealed to opposition parties to cooperate constructively in Parliament. He acknowledged that political differences exist but stressed that all members of Parliament share a duty to work for the country's progress and the welfare of its young citizens.
The remarks come amid widespread protests over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, including the NEET paper leak. On Monday, hundreds of students were tear-gassed and lathicharged while attempting to march towards Parliament. The protests were led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a satirical group that emerged after a Supreme Court judge referred to unemployed youth as 'cockroaches' during an unrelated hearing. The CJP is demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET), which attracts over two million aspiring doctors, was cancelled in May after reports of the question paper being leaked. A re-examination was conducted later. Additionally, a separate controversy involving the online marking system for high school CBSE exams left many students with incorrect grades.
Rijiju quoted the Prime Minister as saying that the government acted swiftly once the leak was reported, leading to arrests and immediate action. A re-examination was held without delay to safeguard students' futures.
The protests escalated after activist Sonam Wangchuk was forcibly hospitalised on Saturday, ending his 21-day hunger strike in support of the CJP movement. Wangchuk later stated he would resume his fast after witnessing what he called the 'brutality' against peaceful protesters.
On the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, opposition members disrupted proceedings in both Houses over the NEET issue and alleged donation theft at the Ram temple. The CJP said two of its leaders met Union Minister JP Nadda and submitted a letter of demands, a development confirmed by the minister, who described the meeting as cordial.
