PM Modi finally breaks silence on paper leak, calls for foolproof exam system, toughest action against accused

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday finally broke silence on NEET paper leak issue, saying preventing paper leaks is a national responsibility. He also called for the strictest possible punishment for those responsible for the paper leak.

Speaking at the NDA Parliamentary Party meeting, PM Modi said the government acted immediately after the alleged NEET paper leak came to light. Describing the leak as a ghor paap (grave sin), he said all those involved had been arrested and that 13 accused were currently in judicial custody.

According to Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, the Prime Minister urged all stakeholders to work together to build a foolproof examination system and ensure the integrity of competitive exams. He said PM Modi appealed to NDA allies to remain united in supporting legislative business and also urged opposition parties to cooperate in Parliament.

Rijiju also said the government also decided to conduct the NEET re-examination to safeguard the interests of students, adding that the test was held successfully and the results were declared on schedule. He also added that the Prime Minister stressed the need for collective efforts to create a robust examination system that prevents paper leaks.

According to Rijiju, Modi said the government responded promptly after reports of the alleged NEET paper leak surfaced. He said arrests were made and action was initiated against those allegedly involved in the case. The Prime Minister also highlighted that the NEET re-examination was conducted without delay to ensure students’ academic future was not adversely affected, Rijiju said.

The Prime Minister’s remarks came a day after police stopped protesters marching towards Parliament over the alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, including the NEET paper leak.

The protests, led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), have sought the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and greater accountability over the examination process.

The agitation intensified after activist Sonam Wangchuk was shifted to a hospital during his prolonged hunger strike in support of the movement. Wangchuk later announced he would continue his fast from the hospital.

The CJP said two of its leaders met Union Minister JP Nadda on Monday after the government reached out for discussions. According to the outfit, they submitted a letter outlining their demands during the meeting.

Nadda confirmed that the meeting took place in a cordial atmosphere but said the proposal for talks had come from the protesters.