On July 22, Rahul Gandhi, the leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha, opened proceedings for the first day of parliament’s monsoon season by asking what has been done to address the issue of recent entrance examination paper leaks.
Claiming that there is a very serious problem with our examination system and that the education minister Dharmendra Pradhan does not know basics of what is going on was obvious to the whole country,” he said.
He said “it’s not just NEET but major exams,” adding that “Except himself, he has blamed everybody else.”
While NEET–UG (the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate)) is under scanner for various malpractices including allegation of paper leak, UGC-NET was called off by Education Ministry which admitted that it had inputs about compromise with the integrity of exam. Both cases are being investigated upon by CBI.
Two other exams — CSIR-UGC NET and NEET-PG — were cancelled as a precautionary measure.
“The question is millions of students in this country who are extremely concerned about what is happening and believe that Indian examination system is a fraud.’’ Mr. Gandhi told members lower house Parliament.
“Millions think as we do in opposition that if you have money then you can buy Indian examination system so why are we asking Hon Minister?” We want answers to some simple questions: What exactly are you doing at systemic level because this is systemic issue?
The Supreme Court is currently hearing a batch alleging irregularities and malpractices in conduct of medical entrance exam called NEET-UG 2024 including paper leak.
A visibly peeved Mr. Pradhan said it was unfortunate for member to describe examination system as rubbish.
Om Birla, Speaker Lok Sabha stressed on constructive discussions on the topic saying raised questions over all examinations in India then it will reflect on our Indian education system and perception about it around world.
“Let’s look at developing a better system… it is not right to raise questions about all examinations,” he said.
After the Speaker concluded his remarks, Mr. Gandhi wanted to speak but was disallowed.
Mr. Gandhi and almost the entire Opposition members, including from TMC and DMK, walked out of the House.
Congress Deputy Leader in the House Gaurav Gogoi raised slogans demanding the resignation of Mr. Pradhan.
