Mumbai: The Shiv Sena (UBT) on Friday strongly criticized the BJP-led central government for involving the Indian Air Force (IAF) in the transportation of question papers for the NEET UG re-examination, scheduled for June 21. The party termed the move a glaring admission of governance failure.
Political Leaders React
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut stated that this decision reflects the government's inability to manage basic administrative tasks. In a post on X, Raut said, "After years of NEET paper leaks destroying lakhs of students’ dreams, the Modi government now wants the Indian Air Force to transport question papers. Defence Minister chairing meetings with the Education Minister for basic logistics? Our armed forces protect borders, not cover up NTA and the Education Ministry’s incompetence. Fix the rotten system, punish the guilty. Stop this military band-aid. Students deserve real accountability."
Aaditya Thackeray's Criticism
Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray also expressed strong disapproval, highlighting the broader impact on India's global reputation. He posted on X, "The absolute mess in the NEET and CBSE examinations not only shows the absolute inefficiency of those on the boards and the HRD ministry to conduct these exams, but also damages the global repute, trust and employability of India’s talented hardworking youth."
Demands for Accountability
Thackeray further demanded strict action against those responsible. He said, "Without sacking the Union Minister [Dharmendra] Pradhan and members of the NTA and the CBSE board, there is no justice for the millions of young students and their families who have faced this. Without imposing the strictest punishment for those who have leaked the NEET and messed up/ badly implemented OSM in CBSE, there’s no point in promising Vikasit Bharat of 2047. Without correcting the mistakes and bettering our education system, there’s no point in hoping for a better outcome ahead for the system."
Background
The NEET UG re-examination was necessitated after reports of paper leaks and irregularities in the previous exam. The government's decision to deploy the IAF for secure transportation of question papers has sparked a political controversy, with opposition parties accusing the government of misusing defense resources to cover up administrative failures.
