Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for the toughest possible action against those responsible for the alleged NEET examination paper leak, saying preventing such incidents is a national responsibility.
Speaking after the NDA Parliamentary Party's 'Mangal Milan' meeting on Tuesday, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju quoted Modi as urging all stakeholders to work together to build a secure and foolproof examination system.
According to Rijiju, the Prime Minister also asked NDA allies to remain united in supporting legislative business and urged opposition parties to cooperate in Parliament despite political differences, saying all lawmakers share responsibility for the country's future and the welfare of its youth.
Modi's remarks came a day after police used tear gas and batons to stop hundreds of students from marching toward Parliament during protests over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, including the NEET paper leak.
The demonstration was led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a satirical political group that emerged earlier this year. The protesters demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the controversy.
NEET, India's nationwide medical entrance examination, is taken by more than two million students each year. The exam was cancelled in May after allegations that the question paper had been leaked before the test. Authorities later held a fresh examination.
The controversy was followed by complaints over the online marking system used for examinations taken by nearly two million CBSE high school students, with some alleging incorrect grades and mismatched results.
Rijiju said Modi noted that the government acted quickly after reports of the NEET paper leak surfaced, leading to arrests and action against those allegedly involved. He added that the Prime Minister said the re-examination was organised promptly to protect students' academic future.
The student protests intensified after activist Sonam Wangchuk was taken to hospital on Saturday, ending his 21-day hunger strike in support of the movement. Wangchuk later announced he would continue his fast from the hospital, criticising the authorities' handling of peaceful demonstrators.
The CJP said two of its leaders later met Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda and submitted a letter outlining their demands after the government initiated contact. Nadda confirmed the meeting, describing it as cordial.
The first day of India's Monsoon Session of Parliament was disrupted by opposition protests over the alleged NEET paper leak and other issues, including allegations related to donations for the Ram temple.
Source: NDTV