Question Paper Leaks a National Crisis, Says Kerala Minister; Congress Calls August 1 Protest
Kerala Minister for Electricity Sunny Joseph has alleged that repeated question paper leaks in competitive examinations across the country have become a serious national concern. Addressing a press conference in Kannur on Sunday, Mr. Joseph accused the Union government of failing to bring those responsible to justice.
Mr. Joseph stated that more than 152 question paper leaks have been reported nationwide, affecting over 7.5 crore candidates. He claimed that the NEET question paper was sold for ₹40 lakh, and that such scandals have driven several aspirants to suicide. The Congress party has demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, he added.
The Minister announced that the Congress, along with its youth and student organisations, will organise a major protest in front of Lok Bhavan on August 1. This is part of a nationwide campaign led by Rahul Gandhi against examination malpractices.
Mr. Joseph also alleged that Kerala is witnessing similar irregularities in recruitment examinations. He criticised the Opposition for objecting to the state government’s decision to investigate alleged irregularities in Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) examinations.
On the state’s power situation, Mr. Joseph said arrangements made to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply during the World Cup telecast were appropriate. He attributed the present power shortage to reduced rainfall and lack of adequate daytime power storage facilities, not to a change in government or the Electricity Minister.
Responding to criticism from former Electricity Minister M.M. Mani, Mr. Joseph noted that power cuts had occurred during Mr. Mani’s tenure as well as under Electricity Minister K. Krishnankutty. He remarked that he had no desire to become a “disciple of Mani” and said the crisis stemmed from climatic conditions. He also alleged that the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) should instead protest against those who had cancelled long-term power purchase agreements.
On the Kerala Students’ Union (KSU), Mr. Joseph said the organisation should remain united and raise its concerns within the party. He said KSU leaders had conveyed certain issues to him and that these had been brought to the attention of the Chief Minister.
Referring to the controversy over the appointment of government pleaders, Mr. Joseph said policy decisions, including pleader appointments, were taken by the Chief Minister after consultation with him and were not discussed in any other committees.
