PM Modi has assured that the Centre will take stricter action against paper leak cases, with more announcements expected on Friday, as protests over examination irregularities continue at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. His late-night video message came hours after the Delhi High Court approved the creation of a fast-track court to hear cases related to paper leaks.
The statement marked PM Modi’s second public post on the issue on Thursday.
PM Modi promises stricter action on paper leaks
In his video address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged the concerns of students and their families, stressing that the government considers the issue a serious one.
“Friends, I know that paper leak is not an ordinary issue. It is very painful for lakhs of students and their families. That is why many steps have been taken in the last two and a half months,” PM Modi said.
He said those responsible had already been arrested and jailed, while the government’s immediate priority was to ensure that students did not lose an academic year.
“The culprits have been caught and are in jail. Our most important responsibility was to ensure that students do not waste a single year. It was very important to take the exams immediately,” he said, adding that the government mobilised its resources to conduct examinations for nearly 22 lakh students.
PM Modi also revealed that he had instructed departments to expedite the legal process.
“I gave instructions to the departments for the fast-track court. Today, the departments worked hard and gave me the approval late at night. Tomorrow, there will be a discussion in the cabinet. After the suggestions of the cabinet members, it will be given its final form. And from Monday, when the second week of parliament starts, we will try to get that bill passed as soon as possible,” he said in Hindi.
Fast-track court approved as Centre reshuffles education officials
The Delhi High Court has set up a dedicated fast-track court to hear offences under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 and related cases. Pending matters registered under the law will be transferred to the newly established court.
Delhi High Court Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya has appointed judicial officer Anu Grover Baliga as the special CBI judge under the Prevention of Corruption Act to preside over the new court at the Rouse Avenue Courts Complex.
The anti-cheating law provides for a maximum punishment of five years in prison and a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh for those convicted.
The Centre also announced key changes in the education ministry. Higher education secretary Vineet Joshi has been moved to the Ministry of Panchayati Raj. Naresh Kumar Gangwar has been appointed as the new higher education secretary, while TK Anil Kumar will take charge as school education secretary.
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Jantar Mantar protest continues
The protest at Jantar Mantar, which began on June 6, has continued to draw large crowds, with students demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and wider reforms in public examinations. Besides the NEET controversy, protesters have also raised concerns over unemployment and alleged irregularities in the CBSE’s on-screen marking process.
The demonstration gained national attention after Ladakh activist Sonam Wangchuk joined the agitation with an indefinite hunger strike on June 28.
Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi reiterated that students continue to seek Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation. Sources also indicated that representatives of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which is leading the protest, are expected to meet government officials on Friday.
FAQs:
What did PM Modi announce on the paper leak issue?
PM Modi said the Centre will take tougher action, set up a fast-track court, and push a Bill to strengthen action against paper leaks.
Why are students protesting at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar?
Students are demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation and broader reforms over paper leaks, NEET and other exam-related issues.
