Prime Minister Modi announced on Tuesday that the government is taking steps to ensure the integrity of the examination system. He called for an end to partisan politics in light of material leaks that occurred in several states and under different administrations, sending a clear signal of intent to put an end to this issue, despite opposition attempts to use it to pressure the Centre.
Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju conveyed the Prime Minister's words, who emphasized during a meeting with the NDA parliamentary party that 'the safety, protection, and future of the youth are our priority.' Modi's address at this regular meeting during Parliament sessions focused on the topic of youth and examination paper leaks.
He stated that the government 'will spare no means to ensure severe punishment for those accused of leaking NEET materials. Those responsible will not go unpunished.' The Prime Minister also noted that groups involved in the leaks operated in many states, which, in his view, related to leaks that occurred over a specific period.
Modi highlighted the arrests of those accused of leaking NEET-UG materials, as well as the re-conduct of the medical entrance test and the timely announcement of results. Furthermore, he mentioned his government's adoption of the Public Examinations Act (Prevention of Unfair Means) in 2024, which became the first central law of its kind to combat the problem of leaks.
According to Kiren Rijiju, quoting the Prime Minister's speech, states and the Centre must join forces not only to strictly punish the guilty but also to prevent such incidents (NEET-UG leak) in the future. He also addressed the lawyers of 'Dhurandar,' urging them to ensure punishment for the accused so they do not evade responsibility.
Modi elaborated on the contribution of youth to India's growth across various sectors. The Prime Minister spoke about the country's youth and the need to provide them with proper guidance. He also shared stories of young people who brought pride to the nation both nationally and internationally. Union Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party member Chirag Paswan noted that the Prime Minister spoke about the country's youth and the need for them to receive proper guidance, and also shared experiences of youth who made the country proud.
The Prime Minister asked Members of Parliament to inform the public about the successes of Indian startups, noting that French President Emmanuel Macron was impressed by their work during a recent visit to the country. He also repeated his pointed remark to Lok Sabha opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, the 56-year-old politician, referencing the average age of people at Skyroot Aerospace, which is 28 years, following a recent successful rocket launch. The Prime Minister stated: 'If they achieved such success at 28, imagine what they will achieve when they reach 56.'
Congress ally and opposition leader in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, strongly criticized the central government on Monday regarding examination irregularities and test material leaks. He accused Prime Minister N. Modi of being the most anti-youth prime minister in Indian history, asserting that Modi is protecting the Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan.
Rahul Gandhi stated that 152 instances of leaked exam questions were found across the country, affecting approximately 75 million students. He emphasized that despite such a massive crisis, no action has yet been taken against those responsible. In a video address on the social media platform X, he declared: 'Prime Minister Modi is the most anti-youth prime minister in the history of India...'
The Congressman also noted that the government is not only disappointing the youth but is also attempting to suppress their protests by force. These statements were made on the day of clashes between demonstrators and Delhi police during the 'Chalo Sansad' march organized by the 'Kukuruch Janata Party' (CJP). Protesters attempted to move towards Parliament but were stopped by the police near Parliament Street as they demanded serious reforms in the examination system following the NEET leak.
Despite repeated requests from the police to disperse, the demonstrators did not comply, leading to arrests and the use of force. Some protesters claimed that the police used force against them during the confrontations. However, the Delhi Police stated that more than 50 of its personnel and paramilitary forces were injured during the demonstration. Police sources reported that cases are being registered based on complaints received from various locations, and more than 70 people have been detained so far.
Earlier that same day, a CJP delegation met with Health Minister J.P. Nadde and handed him a memorandum. This document included demands for the release of social activist Sonam Vanchuk, the removal of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan from office, and compensation of 10 million rupees for the families of candidates who committed suicide after the NEET-UG leak.
The Delhi Police issued a warning to demonstrators and the public. It called for calm and cooperation with the police to maintain peace and order. The police also advised the public not to trust or spread rumors or false information through any social media platforms. The Delhi Police refuted CJP's claims about the use of force against Sonam Vanchuk's wife and a 12-year-old girl, calling them false and misleading.
