PM Modi promises to discuss NEET paper leak issue in Cabinet meeting

Amid continuing protests over the NEET paper leak controversy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday night said the issue would be discussed in the Union Cabinet meeting on Friday. The announcement comes as student groups across the country continue demonstrations seeking action against those responsible for examination irregularities and stronger safeguards against future leaks.

In a video message shared late at night, Modi said the government would deliberate on additional measures to tackle paper leak cases and strengthen the examination system. His remarks follow growing public pressure on the Centre to address concerns around exam integrity and restore trust among students.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Narendra Modi (@narendramodi)

The Prime Minister's statement comes a day after he announced the setting up of fast-track courts for paper leak cases. The move is intended to ensure quicker trials and stricter punishment for those found guilty of involvement in examination leaks and related fraud.

However, the effectiveness of fast-track courts has also become a subject of debate, with legal experts and students pointing out that speedy trials alone may not guarantee convictions. Investigations, evidence collection and the ability of agencies to establish a clear chain of involvement remain critical to securing convictions.

The discussion has gained further attention following a clarification issued by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on July 23 regarding the NEET-UG 2024 paper leak case. The agency said it had found no evidence linking Sanjeev Kumar, also known as Sanjeev Mukhiya, to the case despite his name being included in the original FIR filed by Bihar Police. According to the CBI, its investigation identified those involved in the theft and distribution of the question paper and led to chargesheets against 45 individuals, but no evidence emerged against Mukhiya in connection with the NEET-UG case.

The agency stated that Mukhiya had been named in the initial FIR because he had previously figured in other examination paper leak investigations being handled by Bihar Police. After taking his custody for questioning in the NEET-UG probe, the CBI said it did not find material warranting a chargesheet against him in that case, following which he obtained bail.

The development has renewed questions around the challenges of proving involvement in large-scale examination leak networks. While fast-track courts can shorten the duration of legal proceedings, legal experts note that successful prosecution ultimately depends on the strength of evidence presented before the court.

The Cabinet discussion is expected to focus on additional legal and administrative measures to curb examination leaks and improve accountability. Students, educators and parents will be closely watching the outcome as demands for systemic reforms continue to grow.