‘Paper leaks synonymous with BJP Govt’

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jul 19 : Claiming that question paper leaks have become a recurring phenomenon since Narendra Modi assumed office as Prime Minister, former Chief Minister Okram Ibobi stated that the country's examination system has lost all credibility under the BJP-led Government.
Addressing the media at Congress Bhavan today, Ibobi, who is the president of Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee, launched a scathing attack on the BJP Government over the irregularities in the recent NEET-UG examination.
He stated that the recent question paper leak and the subsequent cancellation of the NEET-UG examination pushed many students into severe mental distress.
Around 25 medical aspirants died by suicide following the cancellation of the examination, he said, urging the Government to take responsibility for the tragedy.
He said the Government should take moral responsibility for the situation and ensure that such incidents do not recur.
Saying that the BJP Government, however, remained silent even after reports of students dying by suicide, Ibobi said the Government has failed to address the concerns of the student community.
The paper leak had shattered the dreams of lakhs of students across the country, including many from Manipur, who had spent years preparing for one of India's most competitive entrance examinations, he added.
Who will take responsibility for the paper leak and the mental trauma it has caused to lakhs of students ?, Ibobi questioned, adding that the Union Education Minister should bear the primary responsibility for the crisis.
He said the Education Minister should have resigned over the question paper leak, but no action has been taken against him so far.
The reconduct of the NEET-UG examination not only caused disappointment among students who had performed well but also placed an additional financial burden on their families, the Congress leader said.
Claiming that 152 cases of question paper leaks have been reported since the BJP came to power in 2014, he urged the Government to take responsibility for the failures.
He said the Congress party has been organising the Chhatron Ki Goonj (Voice of Young India) campaign to protest against question paper leaks and examination fraud in the interest of the student community.
There is nothing to expect from the BJP Government, Ibobi said and added that the situation is no better in Manipur.
He said that the State currently has no separate Education Minister as the Govt has only five Ministers at present and has been unable to expand the Cabinet.
The press briefing was also attended by MLAs K Ranjit, Th Lokeshwar, MPCC working president Victor Keishing, former MPCC presidents M Oken-dro and N Loken  among others.