Against the backdrop of the NEET paper leak and protests by the CJP, the Union Cabinet has taken a crucial decision. The Cabinet approved the “Public Examination (Amendment) Bill” aimed at curbing the leakage of question papers for various competitive examinations, including NEET. The bill was discussed and approved during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This amendment bill is likely to be introduced during the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament, which begins next week.
Under the amended bill, provisions have been included to impose a maximum prison sentence of 10 years and a fine of up to ₹10 crore on anyone involved in leaking a paper. Additionally, special fast-track courts will be established to adjudicate paper leak cases; these courts will be required to complete the trial and deliver a verdict within three months.
While the new amendment bill was being approved, talks were simultaneously underway between the Centre and the CJP at the Constitution Club in Delhi. The CJP presented three main demands to the Centre: the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the withdrawal of cases filed against protesting students, and compensation of ₹1 crore for the families of students who died by suicide due to the NEET paper leak. The Centre responded positively to two of the demands—excluding the call for Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation—and sought one day to consider the demand regarding the Minister’s resignation. Meanwhile, the CJP has made it clear that the agitation will only be called off if Dharmendra Pradhan resigns.
