Veteran Congress leader Digvijaya Singh has called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to release a white paper on all National Testing Agency (NTA) exam paper leak cases from the past eight years. The Rajya Sabha MP demanded that the Centre disclose comprehensive details regarding each leak, including the nature of the breaches, ongoing investigations, chargesheets filed, and the current trial status.
Demand for Transparency
In a statement issued on Thursday, Singh emphasized that the repeated examination irregularities have severely undermined student confidence in the country's education system. He argued that a white paper would provide a clear picture of the government's efforts to address these issues and hold those responsible accountable.
Scope of the White Paper
Singh specifically requested information on all NTA-conducted exams that have been compromised, including but not limited to NEET-UG, UGC-NET, and other national-level tests. He also sought details on the role of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in probing these cases and the outcomes of any legal proceedings.
The Congress MP's demand comes amid growing public outcry over multiple exam paper leaks that have plagued the NTA in recent years. The opposition has consistently criticized the government for failing to ensure the integrity of high-stakes examinations.
Political Reactions
Several opposition parties have supported Singh's call, with leaders from the Congress, Trinamool Congress, and Aam Aadmi Party echoing the demand for transparency. They argue that the government's silence on the matter raises questions about its commitment to fair and merit-based education.
Meanwhile, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has not yet responded to Singh's request. The NTA, which was established in 2017 to conduct entrance examinations for higher education institutions, has faced numerous controversies, including allegations of mismanagement and security lapses.
Impact on Students
The recurring leaks have caused significant distress among students, many of whom have spent months preparing for these competitive exams. In some cases, exams had to be cancelled and rescheduled, leading to delays and additional stress. Student groups have staged protests demanding stricter measures to prevent future breaches and ensure a level playing field.
Singh's proposal for a white paper is seen as an attempt to bring the issue into the national spotlight and push for systemic reforms. Whether the government will comply with the demand remains to be seen, but the debate over exam security is likely to continue.
