Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
Jaipur, Jun 17: Congress leader Sachin Pilot on Wednesday criticised the Centre over its handling of the NEET paper leak controversy, alleging that despite affecting nearly 22 lakh students, no meaningful accountability has been established and no action has been taken against those responsible.
Speaking ahead of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's interaction with students in Kota under the 'Chhatron ki Goonj' campaign, Pilot said the examination scandal had severely damaged the trust of students and their families, who invest years of effort and sacrifice in pursuit of a secure future.
"The NEET paper leak betrayed 22 lakh students and shattered their faith in the system. Even after a CBI investigation was ordered, neither has the Union Education Minister resigned nor has accountability been fixed. The government continues to avoid responsibility," Pilot said.
He argued that the controversy has exposed serious shortcomings in India's education and examination systems and has left many students disillusioned.
"Students dedicate several years to preparing for these examinations. Their families make enormous sacrifices, often putting aside their own needs to support their children's education. When that trust is broken, it becomes a matter of national importance," he said.
Pilot also linked repeated examination irregularities to the growing mental health challenges faced by students, pointing out that several young aspirants, including some in Rajasthan, have died by suicide in recent years.
Supporting Rahul Gandhi's student outreach programme in Kota, Pilot said the initiative marks the beginning of a broader national campaign aimed at demanding accountability and comprehensive reforms in the examination system.
"Rahul Gandhi's campaign represents the voice of India's youth. He is coming to Kota to listen to students, understand their concerns and hold accountable a government that has remained indifferent while the futures of lakhs of students have been put at risk," he said.
Pilot further alleged that local authorities were attempting to disrupt the event by removing banners and posters and discouraging participation.
"Despite these efforts, a large number of students and young people are expected to attend because they want answers about their future. This is not a political rally; it is an opportunity for students to express their concerns and discuss the uncertainty they are facing," he said.
According to Pilot, Rahul Gandhi will address a range of issues during the interaction, including examination reforms, paper leak incidents, unemployment and student welfare, while promising to raise these concerns in Parliament and at the national level.
The remarks come amid an intensifying political confrontation over the NEET controversy, with opposition parties accusing the Centre of failing to ensure accountability, while the BJP has alleged that the Congress is attempting to politicise student-related issues.
Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to visit Kota as part of his student-focused outreach programme, 'Chhatron ki Goonj', which has been designed as an interactive dialogue rather than a conventional political gathering. The event comes at a time when concerns over paper leaks, recruitment irregularities and examination transparency continue to dominate public discourse.