Actor and comedian Shekhar Suman has mocked the government's decision to deploy the Indian Air Force (IAF) to transport question papers for the upcoming NEET-UG re-examination scheduled for June 21, following a major paper leak controversy.
Shekhar's Video Critique
In a video shared online, Shekhar remarked, "When the country has to call the Air Force to save the exam paper, then understand that more than the paper leak, the system is leaking trust." He further took a swipe at the government, saying, "The Air Force should pay attention to save the NEET paper because the government has already handed over the task of saving the country to the public."
The actor went on to joke about whether future examinations would require even greater involvement from national institutions. "If the next exam of the NEET paper will be under the supervision of the Indian Air Force, then should the civil services exam be done under the supervision of ISRO?" he asked.
Resignation Calls and Cabinet Jibes
On demands for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, Shekhar said, "We will get the paper done again. But we will not take the resignation of the education minister. Because the work of the education minister will now be done by the defence minister." He added, "I do not understand one thing that who will do the work of the Defence Minister? By the way, if you look closely, the cabinet of this government is very cooperative. I just do not understand one thing that when everyone is so cooperative, then why is it that only our respected Prime Minister is being made to work for 18 hours?"
Government's Use of Air Force
According to Education Ministry sources, confidential question paper packets will be airlifted by the Indian Air Force to 18 locations across the country before being transported under security cover to examination centres. Officials indicated that transport aircraft and Mi-17 helicopters could be used in areas requiring rapid movement.
Background of the Controversy
The re-examination follows the cancellation of the original NEET-UG 2026 examination held on May 3. The test was scrapped on May 12 after allegations of a paper leak surfaced. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) later took over the probe. The controversy sparked widespread protests by opposition parties and student groups across the country.
