Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday defended the Centre's response to the NEET paper leak controversy, saying the government had acted swiftly by arresting those involved and that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement of fast-track courts would ensure speedy justice.
Speaking to ANI about the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest, Sitharaman said issues such as examination paper leaks and re-examinations are extremely sensitive as they directly affect the careers of students. She said criticism of the government would have been understandable had it failed to respond, but maintained that the Centre had already taken action against those responsible.
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She noted that individuals involved in leaking, buying and selling examination papers had been arrested even before the Prime Minister's latest announcement.
She added the decision to establish fast-track courts reinforces the government's commitment to ensuring that those who "violated the sacredness of an exam" are punished at the earliest, while assuring students and parents that justice will be delivered swiftly.
She further accused the Congress of disrupting Parliament instead of participating in a discussion on the NEET issue, alleging that the Opposition was politicising a sensitive matter concerning students.
Speaking on the Congress protest and the proceedings in Parliament, the finance minister said the government had agreed to the Opposition's demand for a debate and had even sent ministers to engage with protesting MPs. However, she alleged that the Congress continued to impose fresh conditions despite the Centre's willingness to hold a full-fledged discussion.
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She added that the government was prepared to answer all questions related to the alleged NEET paper leak and the action taken so far, including recent announcements on fast-track courts and earlier arrests of those involved. According to Sitharaman, the Congress was avoiding a debate because "the truth will come out" and the government's actions would be placed on record.
Appealing to the Opposition to return to the House, the minister said Parliament was the appropriate forum to discuss the issue and consider whether additional steps were required. She alleged that the Congress was interested only in disruption and not in finding solutions, urging the party to engage in a comprehensive debate instead of "shouting down ministers who are willing to answer."
