Congress Leader Criticizes Government Over Exam Paper Leak Law

Congress Questions Government's Commitment to Education Reform

In a recent session of the Lok Sabha, Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi labeled the proposed examination paper leak prevention law as a testament to the Modi government's failures. He demanded that Home Minister Amit Shah clarify who authorized the use of pellet guns against protesting students. Initiating the discussion on the 'Lok Exam (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026', Gogoi expressed skepticism about the government's intentions, asserting that the original law introduced in 2024 had already failed to prevent paper leaks, and the new bill would likely meet the same fate. He stated, 'The minister's statements and the provisions of the bill indicate that the government is not serious about reforming the education system; this is merely a façade.'

Gogoi recalled that when the previous bill was introduced in 2024, the government touted it as historic, claiming it would eliminate paper leaks. However, that same year, 45 individuals were implicated in the NEET-UG paper leak case, most of whom have since been granted bail. He pointed out that even the alleged mastermind behind the scheme received bail. 'The 2024 law proved ineffective, and this new legislation will also fail, serving as a monument to the government's shortcomings,' he asserted.

He accused the former Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan of denying the paper leak issue in 2024, and noted that the current government’s attitude remains unchanged. Gogoi highlighted the reception of Pradhan by some BJP members in Parliament, suggesting that it was shameful for the government to welcome a former minister as if he had returned from a war with Pakistan.

Gogoi criticized the Prime Minister for focusing on social media rather than addressing the paper leak mafia and coaching scams during cabinet meetings. He questioned the government's commitment to the recommendations of the Radhakrishnan Committee, which was formed to address these issues. He mentioned that while it was reported that 47 individuals from the National Testing Agency (NTA) were to be removed, the agency has only 34 approved positions.

He demanded clarification from the government regarding the retention of the NTA chairman after the director was replaced, alleging that the chairman has ties to a particular organization and has faced accusations of irregularities during his previous tenures in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

Gogoi argued that the education department is crucial for a certain ideological organization linked to the BJP, and appointments in universities are being made with this ideology in mind. He emphasized that the government's goal in education should not be to align individuals with a specific ideology or influence their voting behavior. Referring to the provisions of the amendment bill, he stated that merely increasing fines would not lead to improvements in the education system.

He also mentioned the protests by students at Jantar Mantar, highlighting their concerns for their future as the reason for their demonstrations. He referenced the police action against students protesting in Delhi on July 20, commending those young individuals for reminding everyone that questioning is a fundamental duty of citizens in a democracy. Gogoi reiterated that the Home Minister should answer in the House regarding who ordered the use of pellet guns, batons, and tear gas against students in Delhi.

Additionally, Gogoi brought attention to the flood situation in Assam, urging for a special package to assist the state.