30 July,2026 11:25 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Uddhav Thackeray. File Pic
Shiv Sena (UBT) on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the state and Central governments over the condition of the country's education system, alleging that repeated examination paper leaks, corruption, financial irregularities and political interference have severely damaged the credibility of educational institutions.
In an editorial published in its mouthpiece Saamana, the Uddhav Thackeray-led party claimed that India's education system has "completely collapsed," with Maharashtra witnessing a series of examination-related controversies that have shaken public confidence.
The editorial focused on recent incidents involving examination paper leaks in Maharashtra, claiming that more than 10 examination papers were leaked within a month. It also referred to alleged irregularities linked to the Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (MHT-CET).
"Paper leaks and grade theft are happening openly in broad daylight. Education is the foundation of society, and if the system collapses, society will collapse along with it," the editorial said.
The party alleged that repeated examination scandals have undermined the credibility of the state's education system and called for greater accountability.
The editorial cited viral audio and video recordings that allegedly exposed irregularities in the CET examination process. It claimed that students who secured modest scores in their Class 12 board examinations later achieved exceptionally high marks in the entrance test under suspicious circumstances.
"Candidates who scored merely 40 per cent to 50 per cent in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics in their 12th Board examinations surprisingly secured 98 per cent, 99 per cent, or 100 per cent in the CET. A viral audio clip revealed a woman offering access to 'special examination centres' for Rs 12 lakh, guaranteeing a 99 per cent score to candidates," the editorial said.
The party claimed these allegations had further weakened public trust in the state's examination process.
Shiv Sena (UBT) also criticised the appointment of Vice-Chancellors at universities, alleging that educational institutions were being influenced by political considerations instead of merit.
The editorial further referred to an alleged financial irregularity involving the Vice-Chancellor of Parbhani Agricultural University and claimed that the state government was shielding those responsible. It also cited the arrest of BJP leader Sanjay Garud from Jalgaon in connection with the alleged Rs 160-crore Shalarth ID scam.
The editorial argued that such controversies reflected deeper governance issues within the higher education sector.
The party also criticised the Central government over revisions to history textbooks, alleging that the changes reflected ideological priorities rather than academic considerations.
It further claimed that pressure on researchers and scientists to conform to certain viewpoints was discouraging academic freedom and affecting institutions such as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
The editorial also highlighted what it described as growing inequality in access to education. It alleged that while many middle-class families borrow money to pay for coaching classes, affluent candidates are able to exploit systemic loopholes through leaked papers and manipulated examination centres.
"Pune, which was once celebrated as the centre of education and knowledge, has now been defamed as a hub for paper leaks," the editorial stated.
Concluding its criticism, Shiv Sena (UBT) urged authorities to undertake comprehensive reforms instead of relying solely on special investigation teams after each controversy. The party warned that unless decisive steps are taken to restore transparency and accountability, the country's education system could face a prolonged loss of public trust.
