Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jul 28: Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi on Tuesday criticised the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, in the Lok Sabha, alleging that the government had failed to curb paper leaks and bring meaningful reforms to the examination system.
Leading the Opposition's charge during the debate, Gogoi described the proposed amendments as an "eyewash" and argued that the original law enacted in 2024 had failed to deter examination malpractices.
He alleged that the government was not serious about addressing systemic flaws in the examination process and questioned its commitment to ensuring accountability.
Referring to the NEET-UG 2024 paper leak case, Gogoi cited a media report claiming that 44 of the 45 accused had been granted bail.
"The government had assured the country that paper leaks would become a thing of the past after the 2024 law. However, those promises have not been fulfilled," he said.
Gogoi also claimed that the alleged mastermind, Sanjiv Mukhiya, remained absconding for 11 months before being arrested and later secured bail.
He alleged that paper leak incidents continued even after the enactment of the 2024 legislation, raising questions about the effectiveness of the law.
The Congress MP also criticised former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, alleging that the government initially denied reports of paper leaks when the controversy first emerged in 2024.
He further questioned the functioning of the National Testing Agency (NTA), seeking clarification on reports that 47 personnel had recently been replaced.
"The sanctioned strength of the NTA is only 34. If that is the case, who are these 47 individuals? Were they outsourced personnel? We want complete transparency regarding these appointments and changes," Gogoi said.
He also questioned why only certain officials were replaced, pointing out that while the NTA Director General had been changed and the Education Minister had resigned, the NTA Chairman continued in office.
Gogoi further alleged that the NTA Chairman had previously been associated with public institutions in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh where paper leak controversies had surfaced, and demanded an explanation from the government for his continuation in the post.