The Budget Session of Parliament kicked off with intense debate on Monday, as prominent opposition figures Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav sharply criticized the government over recent paper leaks in NEET examinations and questioned the integrity of the Indian examination system.
Their remarks prompted a vigorous defense from Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Insights:
Akhilesh Yadav, the Samajwadi Party (SP) leader, expressed deep concern for the lakhs of students affected by paper leaks in competitive exams like NEET.
He accused the government of ignoring their plight, stating, “There can’t be justice for the students till this government is in power.”
In response, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan countered Yadav’s accusations by pointing out that examination results are publicly accessible.
“I don’t want to engage in politics, but I have a record of paper leaks that occurred during Akhilesh Yadav’s tenure as Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister,” Pradhan asserted.
Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, escalated the debate by condemning the entire examination system as a “fraud and rubbish.”
Gandhi argued that students believe the system is corrupt, claiming that money can buy access and influence within the Indian education system.
“Millions of students are convinced that the Indian Examination system is a fraud,” Rahul Gandhi declared.
Meanwhile, Dharmendra Pradhan vehemently rejected Gandhi’s characterization of the system, labeling it as an unfair attack.
“I outrightly denounce the Leader of Opposition for disparaging the entire examination system,” Pradhan retorted.
Gandhi also pressed the Modi government on its strategy to address systemic issues within the education sector.
He questioned the government’s efforts to rectify the problems plaguing the examination system.
Responding to Gandhi’s criticism that he had shifted blame rather than taking responsibility, Pradhan defended his stance, asserting that he does not seek validation from anyone.
Pradhan also contrasted the current administration with the UPA era, recalling its scandals and corruption.
The opening day of the Budget Session set the stage for a contentious discussion on educational reforms and government accountability, highlighting the opposition’s dissatisfaction with the handling of examination-related issues.
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