The paper leak scam related to the medical entrance exam, NEET-UG, has been the subject of intense political and legal debate across the country. After the cancellation of exams, confusion and mental stress has increased among lakhs of students and their parents. Meanwhile, during the hearing in the Supreme Court (SC), the central government said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself is personally monitoring the investigation process. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the court that the government has increased security measures.
Supreme Court’s tough stance on NEET issue
On Friday, the Supreme Court (SC) heard several petitions related to the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate) – NEET-UG – controversy. During the hearing, Justice Pamidigantham Sri Narasimha asked the Central government at which specific stage the paper leak occurred and where the monitoring system failed. The Court remarked that it is sad to see the hard work, time and emotions of the students being wasted like this. Citing the example of the examination system of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), the Court stressed that it is imperative to maintain public confidence in such sensitive examinations.
Instructions to the government to file a detailed affidavit
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the court that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is personally monitoring the entire case. He said that new technical and administrative protocols have been implemented for the upcoming NEET exam to be held on June 21. The government claims that measures related to question paper security, monitoring of examination centers and digital tracking have been much stronger than before. The Court directed the Central Government to file a detailed affidavit giving information about the investigation process and the persons responsible.
Next hearing scheduled in second week of July
The Supreme Court remarked that if such an incident occurred even after the formation of a high-level committee, it meant that there were flaws in the original recommendations or those recommendations were not implemented properly. The court accepted that this controversy has created a feeling of insecurity in the minds of students regarding the examination system. The National Testing Agency (NTA) is already facing severe criticism. The court has now fixed the next hearing of this case for the second week of July. It is believed that after the government report, changes may be seen in the examination system.