PANAJI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced that the Centre will set up fast-track courts to ensure the swift prosecution and stringent punishment of those involved in paper leak cases, describing the move as part of the government's efforts to safeguard the future of students.
In a post on X, Modi said, "Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth! We have decided to set up fast-track courts to ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks. Have directed the concerned authorities and officials to take all necessary steps in this regard. This continues our series of steps for safeguarding the interests of students. Those who try to harm the future of our youth will not be spared."
The announcement comes amid continuing protests by students over alleged irregularities in public examinations, including the NEET-UG paper leak, with demonstrators demanding accountability and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The move also follows the enactment of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, which seeks to curb paper leaks and examination-related malpractices through stricter legal provisions.
Soon after the Prime Minister's announcement, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi hit back, accusing Modi of failing to protect India's education system. In a post on X, Gandhi said, "You are the one who has harmed the future of our youth the most. You allowed and encouraged the total capture and destruction of our education system and protected every person responsible for it."
Reiterating the students' demands, Gandhi said the government must sack Dharmendra Pradhan, apologise to the students, and take action against those who assaulted them. A day earlier, Gandhi had alleged that more than 150 paper leaks had taken place over the past 10 years without a single conviction, arguing that the government had failed to hold those responsible accountable.
Reacting to the Prime Minister's announcement, the satirical group Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which has been backing the student protests, maintained that the government's decision does not address the issue of political accountability and reiterated its demand for the Education Minister's resignation. In a post on X, the group said, "Dharmendra Pradhan must resign."
The Prime Minister's announcement marks his first direct statement on the issue amid the ongoing nationwide protests over examination paper leaks, even as opposition parties and student groups continue to demand greater accountability and reforms in the education system.
