ITANAGAR : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Arunachal Pradesh, on Thursday accused the Congress of politicising the alleged National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) paper leak instead of participating in a constructive parliamentary debate on the issue.
Addressing a press conference at the BJP state headquarters here, Agriculture and Allied Sectors Minister Gabriel D Wangsu said the controversy concerns the future of millions of students and called on the Opposition to engage in meaningful discussions on examination reforms. BJP Arunachal Pradesh General Secretaries Tadar Niglat and Jyunty Singphoo were also present.
Wangsu alleged that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was avoiding a parliamentary discussion on the issue and instead attempting to derive political mileage from the controversy. He said the BJP-led government remains committed to protecting students’ interests and ensuring strict action against those involved in examination malpractices.
He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed the establishment of fast-track courts for the speedy disposal of paper leak cases to ensure timely punishment for those found guilty.
Stressing that the issue should not be reduced to political rhetoric, Wangsu said the Centre is open to suggestions from the Opposition to strengthen the examination system and favours a transparent debate in Parliament.
Highlighting the government’s response, he said several arrests have been made in connection with paper leak cases and that multiple examinations have been conducted successfully in recent months with enhanced security measures.
The minister also highlighted the Centre’s investment in education, stating that the education budget has increased from about ₹8,225 crore during the UPA government’s tenure to ₹1.39 lakh crore under the present government. He added that the expansion of premier institutions, including AIIMS and IITs, along with an increase in higher education seats, reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening the education sector.
Reiterating the BJP’s stand, Wangsu said the government is committed to introducing long-term reforms to prevent examination malpractices and safeguard the aspirations of students across the country.
