01 August,2026 01:35 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Supriya Sule. File Pic
Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) leader and Baramati MP Supriya Sule on Saturday called for a time-bound Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into alleged irregularities in competitive examinations and the alleged use of police force against student protesters. She also urged the Centre to convene an all-party meeting or constitute a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to discuss comprehensive reforms in the country's examination system.
Addressing reporters, Sule said the concerns raised by students over examination-related issues deserved serious attention and stressed that restoring transparency and public confidence in the recruitment and examination process should be a priority.
Sule said an impartial and time-bound investigation was necessary to examine allegations of examination irregularities as well as the treatment of students during recent protests.
She said justice should be ensured for students who were allegedly affected by examination-related controversies.
"Whenever the younger generation of a country is disturbed, it is a matter of concern. We are not doing politics. We want justice for our children and transparent examinations," she said.
The NCP (SP) leader also claimed that many stakeholders remained dissatisfied with the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, which was passed by both Houses of Parliament earlier this week.
The legislation provides for stricter penalties in paper leak cases, including imprisonment ranging from five to 10 years and fines of up to Rs 50 lakh.
Sule urged the Centre to hold an all-party meeting or constitute a Joint Parliamentary Committee to deliberate on reforms in the education sector, particularly the conduct of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET).
She argued that the issue required consensus across political parties and should not be viewed through a partisan lens.
According to Sule, long-term reforms would be more effective than relying solely on stricter punishments for offenders.
The Baramati MP said merely increasing the punishment for those involved in paper leak cases would not resolve the problem unless preventive mechanisms were strengthened.
She alleged that repeated paper leaks had affected the credibility of the NEET examination, while claiming that the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination had not witnessed similar controversies.
Sule further alleged that education had become increasingly commercialised, claiming that several coaching institutes had expanded into large businesses and were even launching initial public offerings (IPOs).
Referring to recent student protests, Sule criticised the alleged use of force by police against demonstrators.
"These are India's children. The way students were lathi-charged, and girls were allegedly dragged by their hair, is extremely unfortunate," she said.
She urged the Centre to take the Opposition into confidence and hold a detailed discussion in Parliament to arrive at a long-term solution to recurring examination-related issues.
Sule maintained that the concerns surrounding competitive examinations should be addressed beyond political considerations.
She said the NCP (SP)'s legal team would provide assistance to students facing legal proceedings in connection with the recent protests.
"We will stand with every affected student, not just as the NCP (SP), but as citizens of India," she said.
The NCP (SP) leader reiterated that ensuring transparent, fair and credible examinations was essential to protecting the future of students and restoring public trust in India's education and recruitment system.
(With inputs from PTI)
