Modi Announces New Legislation to Combat Exam Paper Leaks Amid Ongoing Protests

In a late-night address on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced plans for a new legislative framework aimed at addressing the alarming issue of exam paper leaks in India. The proposed bill, which will be reviewed in an upcoming Cabinet meeting scheduled for Friday, seeks to establish fast-track courts and impose stricter penalties on individuals involved in such fraudulent activities. Modi emphasized that the government is committed to passing this bill swiftly through Parliament.

During his address, the Prime Minister acknowledged the tireless efforts of various government departments that worked late into the night to prepare a draft proposal for the new law. This announcement comes in the wake of persistent protests by students and youth activists at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, who are demanding accountability for alleged irregularities in various competitive examinations, which have marred the integrity of the academic sector.

In conjunction with Modi’s plans to tackle the issue of paper leaks, changes in key government positions were also announced. The Union government has reassigned Higher Education Secretary Vineet Joshi to the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, a decision that has raised eyebrows amid the current unrest. Naresh Pal Gangwar has been appointed as the new Higher Education Secretary, while TK Anil Kumar will take over as the Secretary of the Department of School Education and Literacy. These changes reflect an attempt to stabilize leadership in crucial educational sectors as the government faces mounting pressure to address longstanding grievances.

The political landscape surrounding these issues has grown increasingly complex, with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) indicating that government representatives have reached out to them for discussions. CJP spokesperson Saurav Das announced that these talks are set for Friday at the Constitution Club of India, signaling a willingness on the part of the government to engage with opposition parties and student organizations to find a resolution to the ongoing protests.

As the Cabinet meeting approaches, all eyes will be on the government to see how it addresses not only the recommended legislative changes but also the broader concerns raised by the student community. The urgency surrounding the issue of exam integrity is palpable, and the outcome of these discussions could shape the future of India’s educational framework.

Source: scroll.in