The Monsoon session of Parliament resumes today following a weekend break, with the Opposition expected to corner the government over the police action against protesters in New Delhi demonstrating against the NEET paper leak. The session also is likely to see the introduction of a stringent bill to amend The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, which proposes up to 10 years in jail and a fine of up to Rs 10 crore for offences related to paper leaks.
Dharmendra Pradhan's Reshuffle Resignation
The political landscape shifted on Saturday when Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as Union Education Minister as part of a Cabinet reshuffle. His resignation, which came ahead of the resumption of parliamentary proceedings, has added a new dimension to the Opposition's strategy. Pradhan's tenure saw the implementation of the new National Education Policy (NEP) and various educational reforms, but the NEET paper leak controversy has become a major flashpoint.
According to government sources, the resignation was a routine move to facilitate a reshuffle, but the Opposition is likely to use it to question the government's handling of the education sector, particularly the alleged irregularities in competitive examinations.
NEET Paper Leak Protests and Police Action
The Opposition is expected to raise questions regarding the police action against protesters who gathered in New Delhi over the NEET paper leak. The leak, which came to light earlier this month, has sparked widespread outrage among students and parents. Protests have been held across the country demanding a thorough investigation and strict action against those responsible.
On Friday, Delhi Police detained several protesters who were staging a demonstration near the Jantar Mantar area. The Opposition has accused the government of suppressing dissent and failing to address the concerns of affected students. Sources within the Opposition said they will demand a statement from the Home Minister and a debate on the issue under a rule that entails voting.
New Bill to Curb Paper Leaks
The government is set to introduce the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2024, which seeks to replace an ordinance promulgated earlier this year. The bill proposes stringent penalties for those involved in leaking question papers or engaging in unfair practices in public examinations. Offences under the bill will be cognizable, non-bailable, and non-compoundable.
According to the bill's provisions, violators can face imprisonment of up to 10 years and a fine of up to Rs 10 crore. The bill also covers service providers engaged in conducting examinations, making them liable for penalties if they are found complicit in malpractices. The government argues that the strict measures are necessary to protect the integrity of examinations and the future of millions of students.
The Opposition, while supporting the intent, is expected to seek more details and raise concerns about potential misuse. They may also link the bill to the ongoing NEET controversy, asking why such a law was not in place earlier.
Other Business in the Monsoon Session
Apart from the education-related issues, the Monsoon session is expected to take up several other legislative items. The government has listed over a dozen bills for passage, including those related to banking, insurance, and labour reforms. The session, which began on July 22, has already seen several heated exchanges between the ruling coalition and the Opposition.
The Opposition has also indicated that it will raise issues such as price rise, unemployment, and the situation in Manipur. The government, on its part, is keen to pass key bills and showcase its legislative agenda.
As the session resumes today, all eyes will be on the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha to see how the proceedings unfold. The daily live updates from Parliament can be tracked on Deccan Herald.
