New Delhi, July 24: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised further stringent measures against examination paper leaks, describing the issue as a serious concern affecting lakhs of students and their families across the country.
In a video message released late Thursday, the Prime Minister said the Union Cabinet would discuss additional measures on Friday. He added that the government would attempt to introduce and pass the proposed legislation when Parliament reconvenes for the second week of the Monsoon Session.
“Paper leak is not an ordinary issue. It is very painful for lakhs of students and their families. That is why many steps have been taken in the last two and a half months,” Modi said.
The Prime Minister said several accused had already been arrested and sent to jail. He added that the government’s immediate priority was to ensure that affected students did not lose an academic year.
According to Modi, the government used its administrative resources to arrange examinations for nearly 22 lakh students within a short period.
Earlier on Thursday, the Prime Minister announced the creation of fast-track courts to ensure speedy trials and strict punishment for those involved in leaking examination papers. He said officials had been directed to take all necessary steps to safeguard the interests of students.
“Those who try to harm the future of our youth will not be spared,” the Prime Minister said in a post on X. The announcement was also confirmed by the Prime Minister’s Office through PIB.
Following the announcement, the Delhi High Court designated a fast-track court at the Rouse Avenue Courts Complex to hear offences registered under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, and connected criminal cases.
Judicial officer Anu Grover Baliga has been appointed to preside over the specially designated court. All pending cases in Delhi under the anti-unfair-means law and related provisions are to be transferred to the new court for expedited hearings, according to the High Court notification reported by ANI.
Under the 2024 law, individuals found guilty of unfair means may face imprisonment ranging from three to five years and a fine of up to ₹10 lakh. More severe punishment is prescribed for organised crimes and examination service providers involved in such offences.
Separately, the Centre has made changes in the top administration of the Education Ministry. Vineet Joshi has been moved to the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, while Naresh Kumar Gangwar has been appointed Higher Education Secretary. T.K. Anil Kumar has been named School Education Secretary.
The developments come amid continuing protests at Jantar Mantar in Delhi over alleged examination irregularities and paper leaks. The Cockroach Janta Party-led protesters have demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, compensation for affected families and wider reforms in the conduct of public examinations.
The protest began on June 6 and later gained wider attention after Ladakh-based activist Sonam Wangchuk joined an indefinite hunger strike on June 28.
Reacting to the Prime Minister’s statement, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi reiterated the opposition’s demand for the Education Minister’s resignation.
Meanwhile, reports citing IANS said similar fast-track arrangements were being considered in four other states, particularly for cases connected with alleged irregularities in competitive examinations.
Further details of the proposed measures are expected after the Union Cabinet’s deliberations.
Sanjay Pera News
Report compiled from the PMO/PIB announcement, Delhi High Court notification and reports carrying inputs from ANI and IANS. Opposition and protesters’ statements have been attributed to the respective parties.
