24 July,2026 10:24 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Pic/PTI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced that the Centre will introduce a Bill containing stringent provisions against examination paper leaks during the second week of the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament.
The proposed legislation is aimed at strengthening the legal framework to deal with paper leak cases and ensuring stricter action against those involved. The announcement comes amid continued concern over alleged examination paper leaks, particularly the NEET controversy, which has triggered protests and calls for reforms in the country's examination system.
In a video message, Prime Minister Modi said the draft legislation would first be discussed at the Union Cabinet meeting on Friday before being introduced in Parliament.
"The cabinet will discuss the issue of paper leaks on Friday and taking suggestions of the cabinet colleagues, further action would be finalised.
"On Monday, when the second week of the Monsoon session of Parliament will begin, a bill will be brought with provisions for strong action against paper leaks and we will try to pass it as early as possible," he said.
The Prime Minister said the government intended to expedite the passage of the Bill so that stronger legal provisions could be implemented without delay.
Modi said examination paper leaks have deeply affected students and their families, acknowledging that such incidents undermine confidence in the education system.
He said the government had taken several measures since allegations regarding the NEET examination paper leak emerged around two-and-a-half months ago.
"The guilty have been caught. They are now in jail. Our most significant responsibility was to ensure that the students do not lose a year. It was necessary to hold the examination immediately. By using all resources, the government has ensured that 22 lakh students could attend the retest," he said.
According to the Prime Minister, protecting students' academic future remained the government's foremost priority while ensuring that those responsible for examination irregularities faced legal consequences.
The Prime Minister said the results of the NEET medical entrance re-test were declared on July 19 and that successful candidates from across the country had expressed relief after completing the examination process.
He said conducting the re-test within a limited timeframe was necessary to prevent students from losing an academic year.
The Centre has maintained that multiple agencies worked together to organise the re-examination while simultaneously pursuing legal action against those accused in the paper leak cases.
Modi said the government had gone beyond conducting the re-test and had also taken steps to ensure faster prosecution of those accused in paper leak cases.
He said directions had been issued to establish fast-track courts for the speedy disposal of such cases.
"That is why I have given directions to the authorities concerned to set up fast-track courts. The fast-track courts have already been established," he said.
The Prime Minister indicated that the proposed legislation, along with the establishment of fast-track courts, forms part of the Centre's broader strategy to strengthen accountability in the examination system and deter future instances of paper leaks.
Hours after the Prime Minister's announcement, Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike at Safdarjung Hospital after receiving written assurances from the Centre and Members of Parliament representing different political parties.
The fast concluded in the presence of Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh, senior leaders of the Apex Body of Leh Ladakh, doctors and members of Wangchuk's family.
Announcing the decision on X, Wangchuk's team wrote:
"END OF HUNGER⦠BEGINNING OF ACCOUNTABILITYâ¦!"
The post further stated, "Sonam Wangchuk ends his fast after 26 days upon getting assurance from the government and members of parliament of all political parties that the issue of accountability in the failing examination system will be discussed on the floors of the Indian Parliament. The government also gave assurance that families of suicide victims in the recent NEET examination paper leak will be given adequate compensation and that there will be no cases registered against the peacefully protesting students and youths."
In a video message, Wangchuk explained that he had decided to end his fast after receiving written commitments from the government following several rounds of discussions.
"On the 26th day of my hunger strike, I want to share some important information. A short while ago, Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh came here. Leaders of the Ladakh Apex Body were also present. Before that, as you know, around 65 Members of Parliament from different political parties came here, signed their support, and requested me to end my hunger strike. They assured me that the issue of paper leaks would be discussed. The same assurance was conveyed by the Union Ministers as well. Over the last few days, it took some time to receive a written commitment, and today I have finally received that written assurance," Wangchuk said.
He added that the decision was taken after prolonged negotiations aimed at ensuring the protest concluded peacefully.
According to the government's statement, the Centre has agreed to hold a detailed discussion in Parliament on examination paper leaks and education reforms.
The statement said, "Government is positive on not registering cases against those protesting peacefully in Jantar Mantar and those participating in the march to Parliament on July 20, 2026. Government has already assured a threadbare discussion to find solution to paper leak and educational reforms regarding examination in Parliament. Besides, Government is also positively considering suitable compensation for the suicide victims of recent NEET paper leaks."
