Government Vows Swift Punishment for NEET Paper Leak Accused, Urges Opposition Cooperation

Union Minister Piyush Goyal today said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made it clear that the accused in NEET paper leak cases will face severe punishment through fast-track courts. Speaking to the reporters at Parliament premises, Mr Goyal said that the government will take many further steps in the matter to fulfil the hopes and expectations of the country’s youth. Condemning the opposition’s stand of running away from discussion on this matter, the Minister urged the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and other opposition parties to maintain peace and resolve the issue through discussion.Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that the government is highly sensitive to the concerns of students, particularly over competitive examination paper leaks. Talking to media, Ms Sitharaman said that the government had acted swiftly by arresting those involved in the NEET paper leak issue. She added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement of fast-track courts is intended to reassure students and their families that those responsible for undermining the sanctity of examinations will be punished swiftly. Highlighting the government’s response to the issue, Ms Sitharaman said that timely arrests, prompt re-examination and the declaration of results have enabled students to continue with their higher education plans without prolonged disruption.Ms Sitharaman accused Congress of politicizing the issue and disrupting the functioning of Parliament instead of participating in a discussion on the matter. She urged Congress to take part in meaningful dialogue and discuss the issue.