Centre defends NEET response, says action began after paper leak

July 22, 2026 Hot from the Oven Valli Sarvani

The NEET paper leak issue continues to dominate the political landscape as both the government and the Opposition sharpen their positions.

Amid mounting criticism, government sources said the Centre acted promptly after the controversy surfaced.

They stated that Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan accepted moral responsibility and initiated corrective measures to address the issue.

Consequently, the government described the Opposition’s demand for his resignation as politically motivated.

According to official sources, the CBI is investigating the case, and more than 13 accused have been arrested so far.

Moreover, the Centre reiterated its commitment to conducting a fair investigation and ensuring strict action against those found guilty.

The government also highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks on the controversy. Calling paper leaks a grave sin, the Prime Minister said strong action had been taken to prevent anyone from compromising the future of students.

Furthermore, he urged both the Centre and state governments to work together, stressing that the issue concerns national interest rather than party politics.

During his interaction with NDA MPs, Modi also emphasised the need to rebuild the trust of young people. He reportedly said students should not face injustice and cautioned against misleading them during such sensitive situations.

Meanwhile, government sources maintained that the Centre remains prepared for a detailed discussion on the NEET controversy in Parliament, responding to the Opposition’s demand for a debate.

On the other hand, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi intensified his attack on the government. He demanded the resignations of Dharmendra Pradhan and Home Minister Amit Shah, alleging that the government had failed students.

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 protesting students and called for an apology from the Prime Minister.

Responding to the criticism, Pradhan accused Gandhi and the Congress of politicising the issue instead of seeking solutions.

He said the government had expressed its willingness for a comprehensive parliamentary discussion, but the Opposition preferred political confrontation over constructive debate.

Image from Pxhere (Free for commercial use / CC0 Public Domain)

Image published on January 30, 2017