Centre Defends NEET Response, Rejects Pradhan Resignation Demand
Government says CBI probe is progressing, over 13 arrested; ready for Parliament debate on NEET paper leak
- Centre says it acted swiftly after the NEET paper leak surfaced.
- CBI probe underway; over 13 accused arrested so far.
- Government rejects Opposition’s demand for Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation.
- Centre says it is ready for a detailed discussion in Parliament.
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 22nd July: The Centre on Tuesday defended its handling of the NEET paper leak controversy, asserting that it acted promptly after the irregularities surfaced and dismissing the Opposition’s demand for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation as politically motivated.
Government sources said Pradhan took moral responsibility for the issue and initiated corrective measures immediately after reports of the paper leak emerged. They added that a CBI investigation is underway and more than 13 accused have been arrested so far.
The sources said the government remains committed to ensuring a fair investigation and strict punishment for those found guilty of compromising the integrity of the examination.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks, the sources said he described paper leaks as a “ghor paap” (grave sin) and stressed that protecting students’ future is a matter of national interest, calling for coordinated efforts by the Centre and state governments to prevent such incidents.
The government also maintained that it is prepared for a comprehensive discussion on the issue in Parliament, responding to the Opposition’s demand for a debate.
The remarks came after Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi demanded the resignations of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Home Minister Amit Shah, alleging that the government had failed to safeguard students’ interests. Gandhi, who was detained by Delhi Police during a protest outside the Prime Minister’s residence, also sought action against police personnel involved in the crackdown on student protesters and an apology from the Prime Minister.
Responding to the criticism, Pradhan accused the Congress of politicising the issue. In a post on X, he said that despite the government’s readiness for a detailed parliamentary discussion, the Opposition had chosen “political spectacle over democratic debate” instead of focusing on solutions for students.
