“Systematic Failure”: Rahul Gandhi on Paper Leaks

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has criticised the increasing incidents of paper leaks across multiple states, calling it a “systematic failure” that is jeopardising the future of millions of students.

Sharing a news report on the issue, Gandhi stated, “The future of 85 lakh children in six states is at risk. Paper leaks have become the most dangerous ‘Padmavyuh’ for our youth.” He highlighted the distress such incidents cause for hardworking students and their families, pushing them into uncertainty and sending a dangerous message that dishonesty can outweigh effort.

Referring to last year’s NEET-UG controversy, Gandhi accused the government of failing to address the root cause. “It has not even been a year since the NEET paper leak shook the country. After our protest, the Modi government hid behind a new law, calling it a solution, but so many recent leaks have proved it to be a failure as well,” he said. He called for a bipartisan effort, urging all political parties to work together to protect the integrity of examinations.

Since the annual exams began, paper leaks have been reported from Maharashtra, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, and Jharkhand, adding to concerns over the credibility of India’s examination system. The NEET-UG 2024 exam was one of the most high-profile cases, with allegations of a leak triggering a national investigation. The controversy gained traction after an unusually high number of students—67 in total—scored a perfect 720, raising suspicions.

The NEET-UG paper leak scandal unfolded in multiple stages. Social media posts hinted at a leak, prompting scrutiny. The first red flag was the unusually high number of perfect scores. Patna police arrested 13 individuals, including four examinees, for allegedly obtaining the paper in advance. The CBI later arrested a total of 48 people. The investigation expanded nationwide, with raids and charge sheets against key suspects. The Supreme Court acknowledged the leak and directed the NTA to disclose details of the examination process. A status report was submitted to the Union Education Ministry, though doubts remain over effective action. The probe uncovered a nationwide network of ‘solver gangs’ facilitating leaks. Petitions for a retest for the top 35 lakh scorers were filed in court. Further malpractice concerns arose after 1,563 students were awarded “grace marks” outside standard protocol. In Gujarat’s Godhra, a deputy superintendent at an exam centre allegedly instructed students to leave blank answers, promising to fill them in later.

Here is the full statement of the Leader of Opposition:

“Future of 85 lakh children in 6 states at risk – Paper leak has become the most dangerous “Padmavyuh” for our youth.

The paper leak puts hardworking students and their families into uncertainty and stress, depriving them of the fruits of their hard work. It also sends the wrong message to the next generation that dishonesty can be better than hard work, which is completely unacceptable.

It has not even been a year since the NEET paper leak shook the country. After our protest, the Modi government hid behind a new law to call it a solution, but so many recent leaks have proved it to be a failure as well.

This serious problem is a systematic failure. It can be eradicated only when all political parties and governments forget their differences and take strong steps together. It is the right of our children to maintain the dignity of these examinations and it has to be protected at all costs.”