Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan responded on Thursday, June 20, 2024, to the “isolated incidents” concerning the NEET-UG exam, following allegations of leaked question papers. He emphasized that those found responsible would face consequences and assured that the government would safeguard the futures of students who passed with high scores despite these incidents.
The NEET exams have sparked a political controversy, especially in Bihar, due to allegations of paper leaks and unfair marking practices.
Speaking at a press conference, Pradhan said he wants to assure that the government is committed to safeguarding the students’ rights.
He stated that regarding the NEET examination, they are in touch with the Bihar government. They have received information and details regarding the case. The detailed reports are awaited. As per the preliminary reports the error is limited to a specific region.
Pradhan also said that those found guilty will face severe consequences. A high-level committee has been established to evaluate the NTA and its operations. The committee’s recommendations will be carefully reviewed.
He highlighted that they are aware of certain irregularities that have been brought to their attention. They accept responsibility for them, and that he urges students and the public not to politize the matter or spread rumours.
Pradhan reiterated that the government cannot compromise the futures of students who have achieved good scores due to an isolated incident.
In response to the cancellation of the UGC-NET exam, the Education Minister stated that the paper leak represents an institutional failure of the NTA. They assure everyone that a reform committee will be established and appropriate action will be taken.
The situation escalated when four individuals approached the police, claiming to have received the leaked paper a day before the exam.
Identified as NEET candidate Anurag Yadav, along with his uncle Sikandar Yadav, and associates Nitish Kumar and Amit Anand, Yadav alleged that his uncle provided him with a leaked paper containing the same questions as those in the official exam. Allegedly, the accused demanded Rs 32 lakh per candidate for the leaked paper.
The Bihar Police’s Economic Offences Wing has taken charge of the investigation, recovering post-dated cheques reportedly issued to the accused. Additional evidence, including mobile phones and counterfeit admit cards, has also been seized.
The controversy has sparked a political dispute between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a part of the Janata Dal (United)-led government, and the Opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). BJP leaders, including Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Singa, have implicated Yadavendu, alleging connections between the RJD and the main accused.
Sinha stated that Sikander Yadavendu has close ties with Tejashwi Yadav’s aide, Pritam Yadav, and stayed at an NHAI guesthouse.
In response, the RJD rejected these accusations, dismissing them as a BJP ploy to divert attention from pressing public concerns.
Meanwhile, the controversy surrounding NEET intensified last week when the National Testing Agency (NTA) informed the Supreme Court of its decision to revoke grace marks granted to 1,563 candidates. This action came amid worries over abnormally high scores, including instances where candidates achieved a perfect 720 out of 720.
The Supreme Court raised concerns over these developments and emphasized the necessity for strict actions against any lapses. It rebuked the NTA, urging swift resolution of the issues affecting the futures of 25 lakh candidates who took the exam on May 5, 2024.
The fallout from the NEET controversy has spread beyond Bihar to other states, prompting criticism from parties within the Congress-led I.N.D.I.A bloc.
Moreover, the controversy surrounding competitive exams led to the Union Education Ministry cancelling the UGC-NET exam for the year. Citing integrity concerns, the ministry annulled the exam, impacting over 11 lakh registered students.
These events unfold against the backdrop of preparations by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s coalition government for its upcoming parliamentary session.
The post appeared first on .
The NEET exams have sparked a political controversy, especially in Bihar, due to allegations of paper leaks and unfair marking practices.
Speaking at a press conference, Pradhan said he wants to assure that the government is committed to safeguarding the students’ rights.
He stated that regarding the NEET examination, they are in touch with the Bihar government. They have received information and details regarding the case. The detailed reports are awaited. As per the preliminary reports the error is limited to a specific region.
Pradhan also said that those found guilty will face severe consequences. A high-level committee has been established to evaluate the NTA and its operations. The committee’s recommendations will be carefully reviewed.
He highlighted that they are aware of certain irregularities that have been brought to their attention. They accept responsibility for them, and that he urges students and the public not to politize the matter or spread rumours.
Pradhan reiterated that the government cannot compromise the futures of students who have achieved good scores due to an isolated incident.
In response to the cancellation of the UGC-NET exam, the Education Minister stated that the paper leak represents an institutional failure of the NTA. They assure everyone that a reform committee will be established and appropriate action will be taken.
The situation escalated when four individuals approached the police, claiming to have received the leaked paper a day before the exam.
Identified as NEET candidate Anurag Yadav, along with his uncle Sikandar Yadav, and associates Nitish Kumar and Amit Anand, Yadav alleged that his uncle provided him with a leaked paper containing the same questions as those in the official exam. Allegedly, the accused demanded Rs 32 lakh per candidate for the leaked paper.
The Bihar Police’s Economic Offences Wing has taken charge of the investigation, recovering post-dated cheques reportedly issued to the accused. Additional evidence, including mobile phones and counterfeit admit cards, has also been seized.
The controversy has sparked a political dispute between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a part of the Janata Dal (United)-led government, and the Opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). BJP leaders, including Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Singa, have implicated Yadavendu, alleging connections between the RJD and the main accused.
Sinha stated that Sikander Yadavendu has close ties with Tejashwi Yadav’s aide, Pritam Yadav, and stayed at an NHAI guesthouse.
In response, the RJD rejected these accusations, dismissing them as a BJP ploy to divert attention from pressing public concerns.
Meanwhile, the controversy surrounding NEET intensified last week when the National Testing Agency (NTA) informed the Supreme Court of its decision to revoke grace marks granted to 1,563 candidates. This action came amid worries over abnormally high scores, including instances where candidates achieved a perfect 720 out of 720.
The Supreme Court raised concerns over these developments and emphasized the necessity for strict actions against any lapses. It rebuked the NTA, urging swift resolution of the issues affecting the futures of 25 lakh candidates who took the exam on May 5, 2024.
The fallout from the NEET controversy has spread beyond Bihar to other states, prompting criticism from parties within the Congress-led I.N.D.I.A bloc.
Moreover, the controversy surrounding competitive exams led to the Union Education Ministry cancelling the UGC-NET exam for the year. Citing integrity concerns, the ministry annulled the exam, impacting over 11 lakh registered students.
These events unfold against the backdrop of preparations by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s coalition government for its upcoming parliamentary session.
The post appeared first on .