PM Modi Calls Preventing Exam Paper Leaks a National Responsibility Amid NEET Controversy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for the toughest possible action against those responsible for the alleged NEET paper leak, saying that preventing examination leaks is a national responsibility.

Speaking after the NDA Parliamentary Party’s Mangal Milan meeting on Tuesday, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said the Prime Minister stressed the need for a secure and reliable examination system. According to Rijiju, Mr Modi urged all stakeholders to work together to build a foolproof process that protects the future of students.

The Prime Minister also appealed to NDA allies to remain united in supporting legislative work during the Monsoon Session. He further urged opposition parties to cooperate in Parliament, saying that despite political differences, all elected representatives share a responsibility to work for the country’s progress and the welfare of young people.

The remarks came a day after police stopped hundreds of student protesters from marching towards Parliament. The demonstrations, led by the Cockroach Janta Party, were organised over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, including the NEET paper leak. Protesters are demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

NEET is one of India’s largest entrance examinations for medical education, with more than two million candidates appearing each year. The examination conducted in May was cancelled after allegations that the question paper had been leaked before the test. A fresh examination was held late last month.

The controversy has also been accompanied by complaints over the online evaluation system used for CBSE examinations, with several students alleging incorrect marks and errors in the publication of results.

According to Kiren Rijiju, the Prime Minister said the government responded immediately after reports of the paper leak surfaced, leading to arrests and action against those allegedly involved.

The Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested a man described as the alleged mastermind behind the leak. Investigators said he is a chemistry lecturer who was involved in the examination process conducted by the National Testing Agency. The Education Ministry has also launched an online portal where people can report suspicious claims, unauthorised material and fraudulent activities related to the NEET examination.

Rijiju added that the Prime Minister highlighted the government’s decision to conduct a re examination without delay to minimise disruption to students’ academic futures.

The protests intensified after climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was taken to hospital on Saturday, ending his 21 day hunger strike. He later announced that he would continue the fast from hospital, saying he was disturbed by the police action against student demonstrators.

Meanwhile, the Cockroach Janta Party said two of its leaders met Union Minister JP Nadda and submitted a letter outlining their demands after the government reached out for discussions. Mr Nadda confirmed that the meeting took place in a cordial atmosphere, while noting that the proposal for talks had come from the protesters.

The first day of the Monsoon Session also witnessed repeated disruptions in both Houses of Parliament, with opposition parties raising the alleged NEET paper leak and the Ram temple donation theft issue.