Rahul Gandhi Alleges 152 Paper Leaks, Demands Minister's Removal

Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi launched a sharp attack on the Centre over repeated examination paper leaks, alleging that 152 such incidents have taken place over the past decade. This has severely damaged India's education system, affecting around 7.5 crore students and their families.

Gandhi claimed that the recurring leaks have forced many aspirants to repeatedly prepare for re-examinations despite investing significant time, money and effort. He called the situation 'pure theft' from middle-class and poor families, alleging that every month, on average, an examination paper is leaked, leaving lakhs of students uncertain about their future.

The Congress leader further claimed that despite 152 paper leak cases over the last 10 years, there have been zero convictions, questioning the government's handling of the issue and alleging that those responsible have escaped accountability. He alleged that the repeated leaks have destroyed one of India's greatest strengths, its education system.

Referring to the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), Gandhi claimed that nearly ₹1.32 lakh crore is spent every year by families whose children appear for the examination. The financial burden, coupled with recurring paper leaks, has shattered the trust of students and parents in the examination process.

Gandhi said the protests by students across the country were justified, arguing that young aspirants were being forced to suffer because of systemic failures. He alleged that after investing their hard-earned money in preparing for competitive examinations, students were being told to appear again after paper leaks, while authorities remained indifferent to their hardships.

Demanding accountability, Gandhi said Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan should be relieved of his duties, alleging that he had failed to protect the integrity of the country's examination system. He also alleged corruption against the minister and claimed that successive examination leaks had demonstrated his inability to manage the education system.

Gandhi further demanded action against every person responsible for ordering or carrying out action against protesting students. He called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to apologise to students for the repeated examination failures, saying the Prime Minister, as the head of the government, was ultimately accountable for the situation.

The Congress leader alleged that students protesting against paper leaks had faced police action, claiming that they were lathi-charged, had rifles pointed at them, suffered broken legs and were subjected to pellet guns. He asserted that the protesters were students demanding justice and not enemies of the nation.

In conclusion, Rahul Gandhi's allegations highlight the need for urgent reforms in the country's education system to prevent such incidents and ensure accountability. The issue has significant implications for the future of India's students and the country's education system as a whole.