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New Delhi, July 27
The Centre government on Monday introduced legislation in the Lok Sabha aimed at tightening measures against examination paper leaks, but proceedings were soon disrupted as opposition MPs continued protests over police action against students demonstrating over the NEET controversy. Union Minister Jitendra Singh tabled the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill which proposes stricter provisions to curb paper leaks and strengthen safeguards in public examinations.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla adjourned the House till 5 pm as opposition members continued raising slogans over what they described as excessive police action during recent student protests.
The legislation comes a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the formation of a high-powered task force on examination reforms, to be led by Nandan Nilekani. The government says the panel will recommend measures to make India’s examination system more transparent and resistant to malpractice.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju accused the Congress and several opposition parties of preventing a discussion on the proposed reforms.
“I appeal to the Congress to understand the sentiments of the country’s students,” he said. “The Prime Minister has taken a major decision to reform the examination system. A task force has been constituted and this landmark Bill seeks to prevent paper leaks through strict, time-bound provisions and stringent punishment for those involved. If the Opposition does not allow a discussion even on this issue, it will send the wrong message.”
Meanwhile, Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra joined party MPs in a protest inside the Parliament House complex, alleging “police brutality” against students who had demonstrated over the NEET paper leak issue.
Carrying placards and a large banner near the Makar Dwar entrance, opposition MPs demanded an apology from Home Minister Amit Shah and sought answers over the alleged use of force against protesters.
Supporting the Bill, BJP MP Kangana Ranaut said the government was taking decisive steps to restore public confidence in the examination system.
She said Prime Minister Modi had shown a commitment to addressing issues affecting the country and that the newly constituted committee would help make examinations “corruption-proof”. Ranaut also criticised the previous UPA government, claiming it had not prioritised education reforms.
The North News
