Rahul Gandhi Addresses NEET Paper Leak Issue in Press Conference

INC Leader Highlights Institutional Failures and Demands Accountability for Examination Mishandling

New Delhi – Indian National Congress (INC) Leader and MP, Rahul Gandhi, held a press conference today addressing the recent incidents of paper leaks in India, with a particular focus on the NEET examination. This issue has gained significant traction, highlighting systemic flaws and governmental failures in the Indian education system.

During his speech, Gandhi recounted his journey from Manipur to Maharashtra on the Quit India Justice Yatra. He shared that thousands of youths expressed their frustrations over the continuous leak of examination papers, which has become a persistent problem in the country.

“Today, we all know that NEET and UGC NET papers have been leaked, and one exam has even been canceled,” Gandhi stated. He drew a stark contrast, suggesting that while Prime Minister Narendra Modi is credited with stopping international conflicts, he has failed to curb the internal crisis of paper leaks. “For some reason, he cannot stop or does not want to stop the paper leaks happening in India,” he remarked.

Gandhi emphasized the adverse effects these leaks have on students who invest months, even years, preparing for these exams, only to have their futures jeopardized. He pointed to the Vyapam scandal in Madhya Pradesh as a precursor to the current nationwide issue, attributing the spread of such problems to Modi’s government.

BJP Captured Educational Institutions

He accused the BJP and its affiliated organizations of capturing educational institutions, stating that the appointment of Vice Chancellors and other key positions were based on ideological loyalty rather than merit. This institutional capture, according to Gandhi, has led to the widespread issue of paper leaks. “Until this capture is reversed, paper leaks will continue. Narendra Modi facilitated this capture, and this is an anti-national activity because it affects the country’s future and severely harms the youth and students of India,” he asserted.

Strict Actions to be taken into Paper Leaks

Addressing the ongoing inquiries into the paper leaks, Gandhi demanded accountability and stringent action against those responsible. He assured that he would raise this issue in the upcoming Parliament session, pressing for Prime Minister Modi to address the House directly.

Responding to a question about preventive measures, Gandhi highlighted the need for systemic reforms as outlined in the Congress manifesto. This includes reassessing and redesigning university exam systems and rules to prevent leaks from occurring in the first place.

When questioned about whether the current situation constitutes an education emergency, Gandhi agreed, describing it as a profound national crisis encompassing economic, educational, and institutional dimensions. He criticized the government’s incapacity to address the issue effectively, indicating that the current administration is “crippled” and unable to fulfill its duties.

Gandhi also called for a strict law to address paper leaks, emphasizing the need for merit-based appointments and reducing ideological influence in educational institutions. He stressed that the root cause of the problem is the BJP’s systemic capture of institutions, which undermines objectivity and fairness.

Regarding the National Testing Agency (NTA), Gandhi argued that the issue is not with the agency itself but with the appointment of incapable individuals based on political and ideological considerations. He maintained that only by appointing competent and objective individuals could the integrity of exams be preserved.

Gandhi concluded by reaffirming his commitment to pressuring the government to take decisive action and ensure the integrity of the education system. He emphasized that the opposition would not allow any form of eyewash and would continue to hold the government accountable for safeguarding the future of India’s students.