New Delhi, July 22: Today in the Lok Sabha during the Budget Session, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing critique of the Government regarding alleged paper leaks in the NEET exams. Gandhi highlighted what he described as a “very serious problem” within India’s examination system, asserting that many students believe the system can be manipulated with money.
Gandhi directed his questions at Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, pressing him on the steps being taken to address what he termed a “systemic rot.” He accused the Minister of evading responsibility and failing to grasp the severity of the issue.
“It is evident across the nation that there is a profound issue in our examination system, not limited to NEET but pervasive across major exams,” Gandhi remarked, emphasizing widespread disillusionment among students. He expressed concern that a significant number of students view the Indian education system as fraudulent, suggesting that wealth can influence outcomes.
In response, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan rebuked Gandhi’s assertions, dismissing them as baseless and sensationalist. “A lie does not become truth simply by shouting,” Pradhan retorted, condemning Gandhi’s characterization of the examination system as “rubbish.”
The controversy unfolded amidst ongoing scrutiny over alleged paper leaks during the NEET-UG examination, prompting further criticism from opposition members. Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav accused the government of presiding over unprecedented incidents of paper leaks.
In defense, Minister Pradhan cited data asserting that there had been no documented instances of paper leaks in the past seven years across more than 240 exams conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), involving millions of students.
The Budget Session of Parliament commenced today with an agenda focused on financial matters related to the upcoming Union Budget for 2024-25, scheduled to be presented to the Lok Sabha on July 23.
