Sitharaman Remarks on NEET Leak: 'Students Took Advantage' Stirs Political Row

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has sparked a political controversy with her comments on the NEET paper leak, stating that some students used the extra time before the re-examination to improve their scores. Opposition leaders and student groups have condemned her remarks as insensitive.

Speaking to news agency ANI, Sitharaman defended the government's handling of the paper leak controversy, highlighting timely arrests, re-examinations, and declaration of results. She said, 'First it sort of hurt me when the paper leakages happened but later I took advantage of that and prepared even more and my performance has improved and I've done well.' She added that such students 'have taken this challenge and faced this, and come out bright in bright colours.'

The minister also accused the Congress party of disrupting Parliament despite the government's willingness to discuss the issue. 'The government is willing to have full-fledged discussion in the House, come discuss,' she said, alleging that the opposition avoids a fair debate because 'the truth will come out.'

Her statements come amid ongoing protests by thousands of students over the alleged NEET paper leaks, with demonstrations at Delhi's Jantar Mantar and across the country. On July 20, police used force against protesters marching towards Parliament, leaving several injured. The government has since reached out to activists, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi promising strict action against those responsible.

Student groups and opposition leaders strongly objected to Sitharaman's remarks. A representative of a student activist group said, 'By this logic, every paper in this country should get leaked.' In a social media post, the group wrote, 'The Finance Minister is claiming NEET students took advantage of the paper leak... This is a shockingly insensitive comment when 20 students have died by suicide because of YOUR incompetence!'

Congress leader Supriya Shrinate asked Sitharaman to 'list the benefits' for the students who allegedly died by suicide following the controversy. Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra called for the cabinet's resignation. The remarks have also drawn widespread criticism on social media, with many accusing the government of downplaying the impact on students.

The NEET paper leak controversy has been a major issue, with demands for a thorough investigation and accountability. The government maintains it has taken appropriate action.