New Delhi: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has defended the Centre’s handling of the examination paper leak controversy, saying many students who were initially affected by the leaks used the additional preparation time to improve their performance.
Speaking about the ongoing protests over paper leaks, Sitharaman said several students had shared that although the leaks initially caused distress, they later benefited from the extra time before the re examinations. According to her, many candidates were able to prepare better and achieve improved results despite the disruption.
She said the government acted quickly by ordering re examinations, ensuring results were declared without unnecessary delays and allowing students to move ahead with admissions to higher education institutions. She added that prompt arrests of those involved in the paper leak cases demonstrated the government’s commitment to protecting the integrity of competitive examinations.
Sitharaman stressed that examination leaks are highly sensitive issues that directly affect the future of young people. She said the Centre had responded decisively at every stage, making it unnecessary for the opposition to accuse the government of inaction. She also reiterated that those responsible for compromising the sanctity of examinations by leaking, purchasing or selling question papers would face strict punishment through fast track judicial proceedings.
The paper leak controversy has triggered weeks of protests by thousands of students across the country. Demonstrations intensified during a march towards Parliament, where clashes with security personnel led to injuries among both protesters and police.
Meanwhile, the government has initiated major reforms within the National Testing Agency, including the removal of dozens of officials as part of a broader restructuring process. Despite these measures, protesting students have continued to demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, a move that government sources have indicated is not under consideration.
