New Delhi: Nationwide protests are being held against the NEET paper leak. The Modi government at the Centre appears to be taking this issue very seriously, with major decisions regarding exam leaks being made in quick succession. Today, the Modi Cabinet approved a bill aimed at toughening the laws regarding punishment for paper leaks.
The central government is likely to table this bill in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha on July 27. It is expected that the bill, which concerns the future of students, will be passed unanimously in both Houses. According to sources, the bill will include provisions for a 10-year prison sentence and a fine of ₹10 crore for cases involving organised crime related to paper leaks.
Major Cabinet decision amidst student protests
The Union Cabinet took this decision at a time when students across the country are protesting against the NEET paper leak. Apart from the students, opposition political parties are also disrupting parliamentary proceedings during the Monsoon Session. Faced with both student discontent and a united opposition, the central government is keen to resolve this issue at any cost. Late on the night of July 23, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had stated in a video message that those guilty of paper leaks would face the strictest possible punishment.
PM Modi’s message via video
On Thursday night, PM Modi delivered a significant message to students through a video lasting approximately three minutes. He stated that the paper leak issue is not trivial; it has caused deep distress to lakhs of students and their parents across the country. He clearly affirmed the government’s firm commitment to tackling this problem with a heavy hand.
Efforts will be made to establish a robust legal framework to prevent such incidents in the future. Earlier on Thursday morning, the Prime Minister had also announced the creation of fast-track courts to hear cases related to paper leaks.
He had also directed officials from the concerned departments to immediately initiate necessary action. Following the Cabinet’s approval, all eyes will now be on Parliament next week, where this crucial bill is expected to be introduced. A total of 13 people have been arrested so far in connection with the NEET paper leak case.
How long will the CJP’s protest continue?
It is worth noting that the ‘Cockroach Janata Party’ (CJP) has been continuously protesting against the NEET paper leak. The protest has been ongoing for over a month, with the group occupying the entire Jantar Mantar grounds. The government is even willing to concede to certain demands to bring the protest to an end. The CJP is demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and has warned that the protest will continue until that resignation takes place.
