'Preventing Paper Leaks Is a National Responsibility': PM Modi Calls for Strict Action Over NEET Leak

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that preventing examination paper leaks is a "national responsibility" and called for the strictest possible punishment for those responsible for the alleged NEET paper leak, according to Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju.

Speaking to reporters after the NDA Parliamentary Party's 'Mangal Milan' meeting on Tuesday, Rijiju said the Prime Minister stressed the need to build a foolproof examination system through collective efforts.

"The Prime Minister said that preventing paper leaks is a national responsibility and those responsible should face the strictest possible punishment," Rijiju said while briefing the media after the meeting.

According to Rijiju, the Prime Minister also urged NDA allies to remain united in supporting legislative business and appealed to opposition parties to cooperate in Parliament. He said the Prime Minister noted that while political differences may exist, all Members of Parliament share the responsibility of working for the country's future and the welfare of young people.

PM Says Government Acted Swiftly After NEET Paper Leak Reports

Rijiju said the Prime Minister highlighted that the government acted immediately after reports of the alleged NEET paper leak surfaced, leading to arrests and action against those involved.

According to the Minister, the Prime Minister also said that a re-examination was conducted without delay to ensure that students' academic futures were not adversely affected.

The Union Education Ministry has also launched a dedicated online platform where members of the public can report suspicious claims, unauthorised content and alleged fraudulent activities related to the NEET examination.

CBI Continues Investigation

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is investigating the alleged paper leak case. According to the investigation, the agency has arrested the alleged "kingpin" behind the leak, identified as a chemistry lecturer associated with the examination process conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).

The investigation is ongoing.

Protests Continue Over Alleged Examination Irregularities

The Prime Minister's remarks came a day after protests over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, including the NEET paper leak, drew national attention.

Student protesters, led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), have been demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged examination irregularities.

On Monday, protests near Parliament witnessed clashes with police after demonstrators attempted to march towards Parliament. Protesters alleged that police used force, while authorities intervened to prevent the march.

The protests followed the hospitalisation of activist Sonam Wangchuk, whose 21-day hunger strike ended after he was taken to hospital on Saturday. Wangchuk later said he would continue his fast from the hospital.

Separately, the CJP said two of its representatives met Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda and submitted a memorandum outlining their demands. Nadda confirmed that the meeting took place in what he described as a cordial atmosphere.

Opposition Raises NEET Issue in Parliament

The alleged NEET paper leak also echoed in Parliament on the opening day of the Monsoon Session, with Opposition members raising the issue alongside other matters, leading to disruptions in proceedings in both Houses.

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is India's largest undergraduate medical entrance examination, taken by more than two million aspirants each year. The examination came under scrutiny after allegations of a paper leak emerged, prompting a re-examination for affected candidates and multiple investigations.