Paper Leaks a ‘Grave Sin’, Strict Action Taken Against Culprits: PM Modi

NEW DELHI, JULY 22: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday described examination paper leaks as a “grave sin” and said the government has taken stringent action against those responsible to ensure that no one is allowed to jeopardise the future of the country’s youth. Addressing the NDA Parliamentary Party meeting in New Delhi, the Prime Minister said the issue of paper leaks transcends political differences and requires a united response from both the Centre and State Governments. Calling it “a matter of national interest, not party politics,” Modi urged all governments to work together to prevent such incidents and build a foolproof examination system. Briefing reporters after the meeting, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the Prime Minister informed NDA MPs that the government acted immediately after reports of irregularities in the NEET examination surfaced, leading to the arrest and imprisonment of 13 accused. Rijiju said the Prime Minister also highlighted that the NEET re-examination was conducted promptly to ensure that students’ academic future was not adversely affected and that the results were declared without unnecessary delay. According to sources, Modi termed paper leaks a “ghor paap” (grave sin) and stressed that those involved must face exemplary punishment. He said the government had engaged experienced legal experts to ensure strict action against the accused. The Prime Minister also emphasised the need to restore the confidence of young people and suggested that MPs undertake outreach initiatives to engage with students and address their concerns. He said while it is easy to mislead young people, it is equally important to guide them in the right direction and ensure justice for honest students. Rijiju said Modi reiterated that all those found involved in the paper leak racket have been arrested and that the government remains committed to imposing the strictest possible punishment on those responsible. The Prime Minister also called for collaborative efforts between the Centre and States to strengthen safeguards against future examination leaks. During the meeting, Modi also reviewed the country’s recent achievements and briefed NDA MPs on the free trade agreements (FTAs) signed with several countries. Referring to the trade agreements, Rijiju said the Prime Minister assured MPs that the interests of farmers would remain paramount and that no FTA would compromise their welfare. The Parliamentary Affairs Minister further said the NDA was committed to ensuring the smooth functioning of Parliament during the Monsoon Session and appealed to the Opposition to cooperate in the passage of legislation in the national interest. BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh said the Prime Minister urged NDA MPs to place the nation above all else and dedicate themselves to the country’s progress and prosperity.