NEET UG: ‘Very serious problem with India’s examination system,’ Rahul Gandhi attacks Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan 

‘70 cases in seven years, what does the minister plan?’

Countering Manickam Tagore’s claim that 70 instances of paper leak happened in the last seven years, Pradhan said there was no evidence of the number quoted by the Tamil Nadu MP.

“The case is already… Speaker Sir… being heard by the Hon’ble Supreme Court and all the things (evidence) have come out, all the questions are put in front of the Supreme Court. Hon’ble CJI (Chief Justice of India) is personally presiding over the bench,” the education minister said.

“I can say with full responsibility that after the NTA (National Testing Agency) was established, more than 240 examinations have been conducted, more than five crore students have applied, and more than four crore students participated in the examination,” he added.

‘Does the minister take responsibility? Will he resign?’

Manickam Tagore said the sanctity of the NTA was breached owing to the ‘paper leak’ and 24 lakh students were adversely affected. Thereafter, the MP demanded Pradhan’s resignation.

“About anomalies and some information of malpractices, out of 4,700 centres, only one centre sees the anomaly which is in Patna. The proactive Bihar Police and the CBI are investigating the matter,” the education minister said before taking his seat.

‘I don’t think he understands’

Rahul Gandhi took the debate forward and said, “It’s obvious to the whole country that there is a very serious problem with our examination system. This is not just the question of the NEET but major examinations.

“Now, the minister has blamed everybody except himself. I don’t think he understands the fundamentals of what’s going on here. The issue is that there are millions of students in this country who are extremely concerned about what is going on and who are convinced that the Indian examination system is a fraud.”

He then enquired, “As this is a systemic issue, what exactly are you doing to fix the issue at a systemic level?”

Pradhan replied, “I am well in check with my ethics and values. But stating that the examination system in your country is rubbish, is the most heart-wrenching and tragic comment from a LoP.”

‘Credibility of centres in question’

SP chief Akhilesh Yadav questioned the credibility of the centres, requesting a quick resolution of the issue. Pradhan stated that the results were out in the open after the SC requested a city and centre-wise list of results. He also highlighted the number of paper leaks that have taken place in Uttar Pradesh over the years.

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