NEET UG Paper Leak Case:
The agitation surrounding the alleged irregularities in the NEET UG 2024 examination continues to intensify across the country. Today, in Kota, Rajasthan, activists of the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) staged a protest at the district collectorate. Led by NSUI state in-charge Akhilesh Yadav, the protestors arrived in large numbers at the collectorate, where a clash ensued between the NSUI members and the police. The conflict escalated when during the breach of barricades, pushing and shoving resulted in a police baton charge, dispersing the activists forcefully.
NSUI state in-charge Akhilesh Yadav asserts that demonstrations are taking place across the nation against the mishandling of the NEET examination. The single demand is the annulment of the NEET examination and a CBI investigation to ensue. The entire nation is in turmoil over the NEET examination, and despite these allegations, the Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan insists there was no paper leak. This represents a massive betrayal to the hardworking students from ordinary and middle-class families.
Akhilesh Yadav continued, stating that the paper leak mafia is active in many states, including Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Bihar. Students spend a whole year preparing, and when such leaks happen, their dreams are shattered.
NSUI's Torch March in Delhi
To protest against the alleged corruption and mismanagement by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and to demand a re-examination and a CBI probe, hundreds of students and activists from NSUI gathered outside their offices in the national capital. Heavy police forces and barricades were set up at the main gate to contain NSUI leaders and activists. Holding torches, NSUI National President Varun Choudhary led the chanting against NTA, the Ministry of Education, and the government.
In a discussion with Aaj Tak, Varun Choudhary highlighted the stakes involved -- the future of 24 lakh students. Irregularities were found in Godhra, Gujarat, which led to arrests; these incidents took place in Prime Minister Modi's home state. Previously, there were arrests Made in Patna. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan is misleading students with his statements. When we sat outside Minister Pradhan's residence, an FIR was lodged against us, but we will not be deterred.
National Strike by Students over NEET 2024 Controversy
Meanwhile, in Delhi, the All India Students Association (AISA) announced a national strike by students for the 19th and 20th of June, in protest against the alleged improprieties and mismanagement by the NTA during NEET 2024. At a press conference held at the Press Club of India, student leaders and affected NEET aspirants expressed their grievances.
AISA Delhi State Secretary Neha criticized the silence of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on this issue and highlighted the plight of students and parents seeking relief. JNUSU President Dhananjay decried the NTA and labeled the irregularities in NEET 2020 as symptoms of a systemic problem. AISA General Secretary Prasenjit Kumar demanded a re-examination of NEET 2024, an independent investigation into the alleged corruption, and the dissolution of NTA.
The victims and their families shared personal testimonies, calling for accountability and transparency. Robin (whose brother is a NEET candidate) criticized the fairness of the current investigation. Manas (who is a victim of the scam) expressed disappointment over the premature declaration of results and the inaction over the reported paper leak.
The NEET examination was conducted on the 5th of May, and the results were declared unexpectedly early on the 4th of June, originally scheduled for the 14th. This surprise has led to 67 students scoring a perfect 720 out of 720 marks, raising numerous questions. NTA defended by stating that 1563 students were given grace marks due to loss of time. For now, NTA has decided to cancel the grace marks and conduct a re-exam for those 1563 students. The paper leak and fraud issues are currently before the Supreme Court, with a hearing scheduled for the 8th of July.
