High-Level Committee To Be Formed, No One Will Be Spared: Education Minister On NEET Controversy

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan today reacted to the controversy surrounding the NEET-UG exam after allegations of leaked question papers.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan addresses a press conference on NEET controversy

Source : YouTube/PIB

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday reacted to the "isolated incidents" of the NEET-UG exam after allegations of leaked question papers. He said that those proven guilty would not be spared. He further stated that the government would not compromise the futures of those students who passed with good scores due to "isolated incidents". A political firestorm surrounding the NEET exams has erupted, particularly in Bihar, where allegations of paper leak and preferential marking have sparked controversy. 

Addressing a press conference, Pradhan said, "I would like to ensure that the government is dedicated to securing the rights of the students."

"Regarding the NEET examination, we are in touch with the Bihar government. We have received information and details regarding the case. The detailed report is awaited. As per the preliminary reports, the error is limited to a specific region," he said. 

"Strict action will be taken against those who would be proven guilty. A high-level committee has been formed to assess the NTA and its functions. The recommendations of the committee will be discussed thoroughly," Pradhan said. 

"Some irregularities have come to the notice of the government. We take responsibility for it. I request the students, and people not to politicise the issue and refrain from spreading rumours," he added. 

"Just for an isolated incident, the government cannot compromise the futures of the students who have passed with good scores," Pradhan said.

#WATCH | Delhi | On NEET row, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan says, "One isolated incident (Bihar paper leak) should not affect lakhs of students who took the exam sincerely." pic.twitter.com/XYb2eygzDU

— ANI (@ANI) June 20, 2024

Reacting to the UGC-NET exam cancelation, the Education Minister said, "Paper leak is an institutional failure of NTA. We assure you that there will be a reform committee and action will be taken". 

The issue came to a head when four persons approached the police, claiming to have received the leaked paper a day before the exam. 

Identifies as NEET candidate Anurag Yadav, his uncle Sikandar Yadavendy, along with Nitish Kumar, and Amit Anand, Yadav alleged that his uncle provided him with a leaked paper containing identical questions to those in the official exam. The accused individuals purportedly demanded Rs 32 lakh per candidate for the leaked paper. 

The Bihar Police's Economic Offences Wing has taken charge of the probe, recovering post-date cheques allegedly issued to the accused. Additional evidence, including mobile phones and fake admit cards, has also been seized. 

The controversy has ignited a political tug-of-war between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), part of the Janata Dal (United)-led government, and the Opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). BJP leaders, including Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Singa, have pointed fingers at Yadavendu, suggesting ties between the RJD and the key accused. 

"Sikander Yadavendu is closely related to Tejashwi Yadav's aide, Pritam Yadav, and stayed at an NHAI guesthouse," said Sinha. 

In response, the RJD dismissed these allegations, calling it an attempt by the BJP to divert attention from crucial issues affecting people. 

Meanwhile, the controversy around NEET escalated further last week when the National Testing Agency (NTA) informed the Supreme Court of its decision to cancel grace marks awarded to 1,563 candidates. This move followed concerns over unusually high scores, including cases where candidates scored a perfect 720 out of 720.

The Supreme Court expressed concerns over these developments. It also highlighted the need for stringent action against any negligence. It admonished the NTA, demanding prompt rectification of the situation affecting the futures of 25 lakh candidates who appeared for the exam on May 5. 

The fallout from the NEET scandal has not been confined to Bihar alone but across other states. The controversy has drawn criticism from parties of Congress-led I.N.D.I.A bloc.  

Furthermore, the controversy surrounding competitive exams extended to the cancellation of the UGC-NET exam for the year by the Union Education Ministry. Citing concerns over compromised integrity, the ministry scrapped the exam, affecting over 11 lakh registered students. 

These developments come amid preparations by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's coalition government for its inaugural parliamentary session.