Modi defends NEET leak response after Delhi protests

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday defended the government's handling of the NEET paper leak controversy, stressing the need to regain the trust of young people, a day after thousands of protesters led by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) marched towards Parliament demanding action against Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Speaking at a meeting of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Parliamentary Party at Parliament, Modi said the government had acted promptly after the paper leak came to light and assured the strictest possible punishment for those responsible. Sources said he also suggested that Members of Parliament undertake a nationwide outreach programme to engage with students on the issue.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the Prime Minister also called for a foolproof mechanism to prevent future examination paper leaks.

According to Rijiju, Modi said 13 people had been arrested and jailed following the leak. He added that the government prioritised conducting the NEET re-examination without delay to minimise disruption to students, and the results were declared promptly.

The Prime Minister also said those involved in the paper leak racket should face the harshest punishment with the support of the country's top lawyers to ensure such incidents are not repeated.

Rijiju said Modi described the issue as a national concern rather than a political one, emphasising that protecting the future of students requires cooperation between the Centre and the states.

Sources at the meeting said Modi acknowledged the difficulties faced by students because of the leak but noted that the re-examination was conducted quickly. He also said the government had engaged leading lawyers to pursue strict legal action against those responsible.

According to the sources, the Prime Minister said students must not suffer injustice, adding that while it is easy to mislead young people, guiding them in the right direction is more difficult.

A source said Modi suggested that some groups had come together to mislead students in an apparent reference to Opposition parties. He urged MPs to connect with young people and assured them that those responsible for the leak would be held accountable.

On Monday, thousands of protesters from across the country joined the CJP's march towards Parliament on the opening day of the Monsoon Session to press their demands. Police attempted to stop the demonstrators, leading to clashes.

More than 200 people, including over 100 police personnel, were injured after police used batons and tear gas to disperse the crowd.

Police have registered five FIRs and launched an investigation into whether the violence was part of a broader conspiracy to disturb peace in the national capital.

Source: The Indian Express