The Centre on Wednesday agreed to hold a detailed discussion in the Lok Sabha on the alleged NEET paper leak.
"For three days we have been offering that the Government is absolutely ready to have a discussion on NEET paper leak issue. Since day 1 we have been saying that discussions have to be held as per rules. When the discussion is to be held, the duration of the discussion and under what rule the discussion is to be held should be decided after speaking with Floor Leaders of all parties. Govt is ready to have discussion on NEET paper leak issue. There should be a construction discussion for the future of the youth of this country - this is what the Govt wants," Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said during the Monsoon Session at Lok Sabha on Wednesday morning.
Meanwhile, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla shortly after the government's announcement in Parliament.
According to officials, Pradhan met the Speaker after the government informed the House that it was prepared to debate the controversy surrounding the alleged examination irregularities. The government has also urged Speaker Om Birla to convene an all-party meeting to finalise the rule, date and duration of the discussion.
The issue dominated proceedings as the Lok Sabha reassembled after an earlier adjournment. Speaker Birla asked Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju to make a statement, but Congress leader K.C. Venugopal intervened, reiterating the Opposition's demand for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged paper leak and the government's handling of the matter.
Earlier in the day, Venugopal moved an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha, raising concerns over repeated examination paper leaks and demanding Pradhan's resignation. He also condemned police action against students who had been protesting peacefully over the issue. The Congress leader alleged that despite the seriousness of the alleged leaks, there had been no significant arrests or criminal action against those responsible, including alleged coaching syndicates, officials or other individuals involved.
“The government must discuss the NEET and CBSE issues, examination-related suicides, and the wider crisis in the education sector. All cases filed against students and youth who were peacefully protesting must be withdrawn,” the Congress President said.
Responding to the Opposition's demands, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the government was ready for a comprehensive discussion on the NEET paper leak in Parliament. He added that the timing and duration of the debate would be decided in consultation with the floor leaders of all political parties.
Reacting to the government's offer, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said the controversy was not a political issue but one that concerned the future of the country's youth. He asserted that every political party should be allowed to participate in the debate and questioned why Prime Minister Narendra Modi had addressed the matter outside Parliament but had not made a statement on the floor of the House.
Despite the government's assurance, Opposition MPs continued their protest, leading to further disruptions. Speaker Om Birla appealed to members to allow the House to function, stating that with the government agreeing to a discussion, the Opposition should participate in the debate instead of staging protests. However, the protests continued, forcing the Speaker to adjourn the House until 2 p.m.
