New Delhi: Declaring that "nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth," Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced that the government has decided to establish fast-track courts to ensure swift trials and stringent punishment for those involved in examination paper leak cases.
The Prime Minister said he has directed the concerned authorities and officials to take all necessary steps to operationalise the decision, describing it as part of a series of measures aimed at safeguarding students' interests.
"This continues our series of steps for safeguarding the interests of students. Those who try to harm the future of our youth will not be spared," the Prime Minister said.
The announcement comes amid nationwide outrage over repeated examination paper leaks, allegations of irregularities in recruitment and entrance examinations, and sustained student protests demanding greater accountability in the education system.
However, the Prime Minister's announcement drew an immediate political response from the Opposition and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), both of which argued that stronger punishment alone would not address what they describe as deeper institutional failures.
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi accused the Prime Minister of presiding over the decline of the education system.
"You are the one who has harmed the future of our youth the most. You allowed and encouraged the total capture and destruction of our education system—and protected every person responsible for it."
Rahul Gandhi reiterated the demands raised by protesting students, saying:
1. Sack Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
2. Apologise to the students.
3. Take action against those who assaulted them.
CJP leader Abhijit Dipke also criticised the Centre, alleging that while the government was prepared to "shut down Delhi," it was unwilling to remove the Union Education Minister.
"The Prime Minister was ready to shut down Delhi but not sack Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan," Dipke said.
Meanwhile, the students' agitation has shown no signs of slowing down. The protest at Jantar Mantar entered its 30th consecutive day on Thursday, with demonstrators continuing to demand accountability, examination reforms, and action against those responsible for paper leaks and alleged irregularities.
At the same time, education reform activist Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike entered its 25th day.
As of Thursday, there was no official update on any breakthrough in talks or efforts to resolve the impasse. Wangchuk has been demanding accountability and reforms in the education system, and his prolonged fast has become a focal point of the wider student movement.
The government has maintained that it is committed to protecting students' interests and ensuring strict action against those involved in examination fraud.
With the announcement of fast-track courts, the Centre has projected the move as a decisive step to restore confidence in public examinations.
There are students raiding questions over reservations saying that the most of the NEET students who commit suicide were from the general category. Also different states have different criteria for admission to medical colleges.
However, Opposition parties and protest groups contend that legal measures must be accompanied by political accountability and structural reforms.
As the standoff continues, attention is now focused on whether the government's latest announcement will help address students' concerns or whether the ongoing protests and Wangchuk's hunger strike will further intensify pressure for broader changes in the country's examination and education system.
All eyes are also on Parliament whether the debate will materialize into solutions, ensuring a law that gives a transparent equitable testing system for the NEET students.
