79-days since NEET Paper Leak: PM Modi Calls Leak Prevention 'National Responsibility', Demands Harshest Penalties

Declaring that safeguarding the integrity of competitive examinations is a "national responsibility" that transcends party politics, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday called for the strictest possible punishment for those orchestrating paper leaks, including the recent irregularities surrounding the NEET-UG examination. This is the first time PM Modi has made a statement on the issue of cancellation of the NEET exam on May 3.

PM Modi Calls Exam Integrity a ‘National Responsibility’

Addressing the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) parliamentary party during its 'Mangal Milan' meeting on the sidelines of the Monsoon Session, the Prime Minister urged all political factions to unite in building a foolproof examination mechanism to secure the future of the nation’s youth.

Briefing reporters after the closed-door gathering, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the Prime Minister emphasised that political differences must not overshadow the collective imperative to protect young aspirants.

PM Urges Political Parties to Rise Above Differences

"The Prime Minister made it clear that preventing paper leaks is a shared national responsibility," Rijiju told journalists in New Delhi. "He appealed to all political parties, including the opposition, to engage constructively in Parliament. While political debates will continue, every lawmaker bears a duty toward the aspirations of India's students."

NDA MPs Asked to Reach Out to Students

PM Modi instructed NDA lawmakers to proactively reach out to students across the country, reassuring them that the government will leave no stone unturned in prosecuting the perpetrators while shielding honest candidates from systemic fallout.

Toughest Punishment for Paper Leak Accused

The Prime Minister also urged top legal experts and government counsel to ensure that those arrested face the full brunt of the law, setting a tough legal precedent that deters syndicate-driven exam malpractices in the future.

Student Protests Turn Violent Outside Parliament

The Prime Minister's intervention comes against the backdrop of escalating student anger and fierce political friction in the national capital. On Monday, security forces used tear gas and lathi-charged hundreds of student demonstrators as they attempted to march toward Parliament House on the opening day of the Monsoon Session.

CJP Demands Dharmendra Pradhan’s Resignation

The demonstrations have been spearheaded by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), an activist youth outfit formed earlier this year following controversial judicial remarks regarding unemployed youth. Protesters have been demanding the immediate resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, citing administrative lapses in managing high-stakes testing processes.

Opposition Pushes for Debate on Exam Crisis

Opposition benches mirrored the turmoil inside both Houses, demanding an immediate suspension of routine business to debate the broader crisis surrounding central selection tests.

CBI Probe Gains Pace, 13 Arrested So Far

Addressing concerns over administrative delays, Rijiju highlighted that law enforcement agencies acted promptly as soon as allegations regarding the medical entrance exam surfaced. A total of 13 individuals have already been taken into custody as part of a multi-state investigation led by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which registered a criminal case following a formal reference from the Department of Higher Education.

Government Promises Structural Reforms in Examination System

"The government prioritised conducting the re-examination to ensure candidates suffered minimal academic disruption, enabling the timely declaration of results," Rijiju stated. He added that the administration remains committed to sweeping structural reforms aimed at fortifying testing protocols across all central recruitment and entrance bodies.