Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday night announced that the Centre will introduce a Bill to establish fast-track courts for cases related to paper leaks, saying the proposed legislation aims to ensure swift and stringent punishment for those responsible for compromising the future of students.
In a video message released late Thursday, Modi said the government had acted on multiple fronts following the paper leak controversy, including arresting those involved and ensuring that students did not lose an academic year.
“I know that the paper leak is not an ordinary issue. It is very painful for lakhs of students and their families,” the Prime Minister said.
He added that over the past two and a half months, authorities had taken several measures and arrested those allegedly involved in the leak. Modi said the government's immediate priority was to ensure that students were able to complete the examination process without losing a year.
Referring to the examination, he said the government had used its “full strength” to make arrangements for around 22 lakh students to take the test again, adding that the results had already been declared.
“However, we are not satisfied with just that,” Modi said, announcing that he had directed the concerned departments to prepare a proposal for fast-track courts to deal with paper leak cases.
According to the Prime Minister, the proposal received departmental approval late on Thursday night and will be placed before the Union Cabinet on Friday. After incorporating the Cabinet's suggestions, the government plans to introduce the Bill in Parliament from Monday, when the second week of the Monsoon Session begins.
“We will try to get that Bill passed as soon as possible,” Modi said.
Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister also posted on X that “nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth,” announcing the government's decision to establish fast-track courts for paper leak cases.
“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,” he wrote.
“Those who try to harm the future of our youth will not be spared,” Modi added.
The announcement comes amid continuing student protests in Delhi and several other cities over the NEET paper leak. Demonstrations at Jantar Mantar have been underway for several weeks, with protesting students demanding accountability and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. |
