On Tuesday, 21st July, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said those responsible for the NEET paper leak must face the strictest possible punishment and stressed that protecting the integrity of examinations is a national responsibility. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju shared the Prime Minister’s remarks after the NDA Parliamentary Party’s ‘Mangal Milan’ meeting.
Rijiju said the Prime Minister stressed the need for a foolproof examination system so that students can trust the country’s competitive exams. He also said the government acted quickly after reports of the paper leak surfaced, leading to arrests and action against those responsible. Modi added that the NEET re-examination was conducted without delay to ensure students’ futures were not affected.
PM asks parties to work together for students
According to Rijiju, the Prime Minister also appealed to NDA partners to stay united in supporting legislative business during the Monsoon Session. He urged opposition parties to cooperate in Parliament, saying political differences may exist, but every MP shares the responsibility of working for the country’s future and the welfare of young people.
NEET row sparks protests and political debate
The NEET paper leak issue has triggered nationwide protests. The exam, taken by over two million students aspiring to become doctors, was cancelled in May after the question paper was leaked before the test. A fresh examination was held late last month.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested the person it described as the “kingpin” behind the leak. The agency identified him as a chemistry lecturer linked to the National Testing Agency’s (NTA) examination process. The Education Ministry has also launched a website where people can report suspicious claims, unauthorised content and fraudulent activities related to NEET.
Meanwhile, protests over the issue continued during the first day of the Monsoon Session, disrupting proceedings in both Houses of Parliament. The protests gained momentum after activist Sonam Wangchuk was taken to hospital during his 21-day hunger strike. Later, he announced that he would continue his fast from the hospital. Two leaders of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) also met Union Minister JP Nadda and submitted their demands after the government reached out for talks, which Nadda described as cordial.
