New Delhi, Jul 21: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday reiterated the Centre’s commitment to ensuring stringent punishment for those involved in the NEET paper leak, asserting that the issue should not become a matter of partisan politics.
Addressing the NDA Parliamentary Party meeting, the Prime Minister said safeguarding the security and future of the country’s youth remains the government’s top priority, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju told reporters.
Rijiju said the Prime Minister stressed that the NEET paper leak “should not be an issue of partisan politics” and reaffirmed the government’s resolve to take strict action against those responsible.
The Prime Minister’s remarks came a day after large-scale protests in the national capital over alleged irregularities in the education system and repeated examination paper leaks. Demonstrators marching towards Parliament clashed with police, who resorted to baton charge and fired tear gas shells to disperse the crowd.
The protesters demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the discharge of activist Sonam Wangchuk from hospital, and compensation for the families of NEET aspirants who allegedly died by suicide after the examination was rescheduled following the paper leak.
According to hospital sources, more than 170 people, including protesters and Delhi Police personnel, received treatment at central government hospitals after the clashes. Around 150 injured were taken to Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, while at least 24 were treated at Lady Hardinge Medical College.
Hospital officials said most sustained bruises, baton injuries and head wounds. A 20-year-old woman with a hypoxic brain injury remained in critical condition, while the circumstances leading to her injuries are under investigation. (Agencies)
