SFI Protests NEET Paper Leak in Shimla
On Saturday, the Himachal Pradesh State Committee of the Students' Federation of India (SFI) held a protest outside the Deputy Commissioner's office in Shimla against the NEET paper leak. The demonstrators demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, holding him responsible for the alleged irregularities. SFI activists marched to the DC office, raising slogans against the Central Government to express their anger over the incident.
Over 20 Student Suicides Linked to Paper Leak
SFI state secretary Sunny Seakta stated that more than 20 students had died by suicide since the NEET paper leak. He held Union Education Minister Pradhan accountable for the situation, demanding his immediate resignation on moral grounds. Seakta emphasized that students across the country have been protesting and demanding the minister's resignation, but Pradhan has remained silent on the issue.
Allegations of Systemic Failure by NTA
Seakta alleged that over the past 10 years, around 89 examination papers had been leaked and nearly 49 exams had to be conducted again, raising serious questions about the Central Government's functioning. He claimed that both the government and the National Testing Agency (NTA) have failed to conduct examinations in a fair and transparent manner. The SFI demanded the immediate disbandment of the NTA.
Impact on Students and Families
The cancellation of examinations has had a devastating impact on candidates and their families, according to Seakta. Due to repeated paper leaks and alleged mismanagement by the NTA and the Union Ministry of Education, lakhs of students are facing severe mental distress and financial hardships. Students from marginalized communities have been particularly affected.
Condemnation of Minister's Remarks
The SFI also condemned Pradhan's alleged statement referring to protesting students as “terrorists”. The student body said that such remarks reflect a lack of accountability and empathy at a time when lakhs of students and their families are suffering due to repeated irregularities and administrative failures. Instead of addressing students' concerns, the minister chose to target those demanding justice.
Protest to Continue
The SFI announced that it would continue its protest until those responsible for the paper leaks are held accountable. The demonstration in Shimla is part of a broader nationwide movement by students seeking justice and educational reform.
