Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a rare video statement and social media posts on Thursday, responded to widespread protests across India regarding alleged leaks and irregularities in university entrance examinations. Modi announced the government's decision to establish fast-track courts to ensure swift and stringent punishment for individuals involved in paper leaks. He emphasized, "Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth!" and asserted that "Those who try to harm the future of our youth will not be spared."
The protests, spearheaded by a satirical online movement called the "Cockroach Janta Party" (CJP), have been ongoing for over a month. The CJP and other protestors are demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, claiming his incompetence is the root cause of repeated paper leaks. While welcoming Modi's response, CJP national spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka stated that the announcement of fast-track courts is merely a "distraction" and not a real solution, emphasizing that the issue is not a lack of such courts but rather the Education Minister's inability to prevent leaks. Protestors have gathered at Jantar Mantar and other locations, with some demonstrations occurring outside Pradhan's residence, and have called for $120,000 in financial assistance for families of students who died by suicide after exam cancellations.
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), India's undergraduate medical school entrance exam, was a key trigger for the demonstrations after its question papers were leaked, leading to its cancellation. Approximately two million students took the exam on May 3, but it was later scrapped, with around a dozen student suicides linked to the cancellation. A re-test was conducted in June. The Prime Minister's statements mark his first direct public address on the issue, which represents one of the largest crises for his government since he began his third term. The opposition, including Rahul Gandhi, leader of the Congress party, has criticized the government's handling of the situation and has also demanded Pradhan's resignation. Modi's cabinet is expected to discuss a draft bill providing for these fast-track courts and stringent punishments.
