Rahul Gandhi rejected PM Modi’s midnight video as insufficient, while the CJP called for Education Minister`s removal after government announced a tougher anti paper leak law with fast track courts.
Promising stricter punishment for examination fraud in a midnight video message, PM Narendra Modi said the Centre will introduce a tougher anti paper leak law with fast track courts, even as Rahul Gandhi dismissed the announcement as inadequate and the CJP renewed its demand for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s removal.
According to the PM, the draft Bill will be discussed by the Union Cabinet on Friday. After Cabinet approval, the government plans to introduce it in Parliament next week and seek its early passage.
The announcement comes amid nationwide concern over recent examination paper leak cases, including the NEET UG controversy, and ongoing protests demanding stronger accountability.
PM Modi says paper leaks affect millions of students
In his video message posted on X, PM Modi described paper leaks as a serious issue affecting lakhs of students and their families.
He said the government had already taken several steps over the past two and a half months, including the arrest of accused persons involved in examination leak cases. He added that ensuring students did not lose an academic year remained a priority, which is why examinations for around 22 lakh students were conducted within a short period and results were declared on July 19.
The PM also said the government would not stop at these measures and had directed departments to prepare provisions for fast track courts and stricter punishment under the proposed Anti paper leak law India.
Cabinet to discuss draft before Parliament session
According to the Prime Minister, the draft legislation has already been submitted by the concerned departments. The Cabinet is expected to deliberate on the proposal before it is introduced in Parliament.
The proposed Bill is aimed at strengthening legal provisions against examination fraud and ensuring faster trials through dedicated fast track courts.
Rahul Gandhi questions PM’s video, seeks Education Minister’s removal
Soon after PM Narendra Modi released his video message on X, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi criticised the announcement, saying students were demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan rather than a late night video message.
In his post on X, Rahul Gandhi said students wanted accountability over the examination controversy.
He urged the PM to remove the Education Minister, take action against those accused of using force against protesting students and apologise.
The remarks came shortly after the PM announced that the government would bring a stricter Anti paper leak law India with tougher punishment and fast track courts.
CJP says removing Education Minister would be strongest action
The CJP also reacted to the Prime Minister’s announcement, stating that the toughest action the government could take over the examination controversy would be to remove Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
CJP national spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said the PM should remove the minister immediately, describing it as the strongest possible action against those responsible for examination irregularities.
The organisation has been leading protests over the alleged NEET UG paper leak, with social activist Sonam Wangchuk recently ending his 27 day hunger strike after an appeal from the Centre.
Announcement comes amid NEET UG paper leak controversy
The Prime Minister’s announcement comes amid the continuing NEET UG paper leak controversy, which has triggered nationwide protests, political criticism and demands for greater accountability in public examinations.
The issue has remained at the centre of public debate since the alleged paper leak surfaced after the May 3 NEET UG examination. The investigation is being conducted by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which has arrested 13 accused so far. Investigations have covered several states, including Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Delhi, and the agency is expected to file its chargesheet soon.
PM Modi reiterated government’s position earlier this week
This is the second statement made by the Prime Minister on paper leaks within four days.
On July 21, while addressing the NDA Parliamentary Party meeting, he described paper leaks as a “grave wrongdoing” and assured strict punishment for those responsible.
On July 23, he had also announced that fast track courts would be established to ensure quicker disposal of paper leak cases, stating that protecting the future of India’s youth remained the government’s highest priority.
Education Ministry sees key bureaucratic changes
The Centre also announced a major bureaucratic reshuffle on Thursday.
Naresh Pal Gangwar has been appointed Secretary of the Department of Higher Education, replacing Vineet Joshi, who has been transferred as Secretary in the Ministry of Panchayati Raj.
Additionally, T. K. Anil Kumar has been appointed Secretary of the Department of School Education and Literacy following his promotion.
Existing anti paper leak law already in force
Although India already has the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, the government now plans to strengthen the legal framework further through a new Bill that includes faster trials and tougher penalties.
The law provides imprisonment ranging from three to five years and fines up to ₹10 lakh for individuals involved in paper leaks. Organised crime syndicates can face imprisonment between five and ten years along with fines up to ₹1 crore.
Examination agencies found guilty can also face penalties, including recovery of examination costs and restrictions on conducting examinations for up to four years.
Delhi High Court creates fast track court
Separately, the Delhi High Court has designated a fast track court at Rouse Avenue Court for cases related to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, and associated offences. Related cases will now be transferred to this court for faster proceedings.
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