Education Reform – Congress Questions PM Modi’s Fast-Track Court Plan on Exam Paper Leaks
Education Reform – The Congress has criticised the Union government’s latest announcement on fast-track courts for paper leak cases, arguing that students deserve stronger accountability and long-term reforms rather than delayed corrective measures.
The Congress on Thursday strongly criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to establish fast-track courts for cases related to examination paper leaks, describing the move as delayed and inadequate. The opposition party maintained that the government had failed to address the issue effectively over the past several years and accused it of not taking timely action despite repeated concerns over the integrity of public examinations.
Congress Seeks Greater Accountability
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said students across the country were seeking genuine accountability from the government over repeated incidents of examination paper leaks. According to him, the administration had neither acknowledged the seriousness of such cases nor ensured impartial investigations whenever controversies emerged.
In a statement shared on social media, Ramesh outlined the party’s key demands. These included the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, an apology to students affected by examination irregularities, and action against individuals accused of using force against protesting students. He argued that the government’s latest announcement would have greater credibility if accompanied by accountability for previous lapses.
Questions Over Previous Investigations
The Congress leader alleged that successive examination leak controversies had not been handled with sufficient transparency. He claimed that the government had consistently denied the existence of paper leaks despite several high-profile cases drawing public attention.
Ramesh also referred to earlier submissions made by the Ministry of Education before the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, where it reportedly stated that no paper leaks had taken place under the National Testing Agency (NTA). He alleged that the government had failed to acknowledge facts surrounding these incidents and questioned its overall approach to safeguarding the examination system.
Focus on NEET-UG and UGC-NET Cases
Citing the 2024 NEET-UG paper leak investigation, Ramesh raised concerns over the progress of the inquiry. He said there had been limited public information regarding the legal proceedings against the accused and referred to reports that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) did not file a chargesheet against the principal accused, Sanjeev Mukhiya, within the prescribed period, resulting in his release on bail.
He also mentioned the cancelled 2024 UGC-NET examination, stating that the CBI later submitted a closure report indicating that no irregularities had been established. According to the Congress leader, the reasons behind that conclusion had not been clearly explained, leading to further questions about transparency in the investigation process.
Opposition Revisits Earlier Legislative Concerns
The Congress also recalled discussions surrounding the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, which Parliament passed in early 2024. Ramesh said opposition parties had then expressed reservations about whether the legislation alone would be sufficient to prevent organised paper leak networks.
According to him, the government did not consider suggestions aimed at strengthening the legal framework. He argued that students expected comprehensive reforms that addressed both prevention and accountability rather than isolated measures introduced after repeated controversies.
Prime Minister Announces Fast-Track Courts
The criticism came shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that fast-track courts would be established to ensure quicker trials and stricter punishment for those involved in examination paper leaks.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister said protecting the future and welfare of young people remained a top priority for the government. He added that the relevant authorities had been instructed to take all necessary steps for setting up the courts and ensuring speedy legal action. Modi also said the initiative formed part of the government’s continuing efforts to safeguard the interests of students and warned that those attempting to damage the future of the country’s youth would face strict consequences.