Live: Parliament Monsoon Session Day 7 as Lok Sabha prepares to debate Public Examinations Bill

The proceedings of the Lok Sabha have been adjourned for the remainder of the day. The Lower House is scheduled to reconvene at 11 a.m. on July 29.

Speaking on the anti-paper leak Bill, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor remarked that penal action only kicks in after harm has occurred, stressing that the focus shouldn't solely be on punishment. Highlighting the necessity to address underlying structural flaws, he advocated shifting from high-pressure examination formats to a computer-based model offering multiple attempts in a year, ensuring students aren't robbed of opportunities due to personal crises. Disapproving of the administration's plan to set up fast-track courts, Tharoor pointed out that speedy justice remains unattainable without effective case handling. He added that the NTA requires dedicated professional personnel alongside clear accountability mechanisms.

Shiromani Akali Dal MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal highlighted that examinees endure severe psychological trauma whenever question papers get leaked. She observed that simply lengthening prison sentences for paper leak offenses seldom serves as a real deterrent. Furthermore, she stated that the legislation should have been introduced only after consulting students and relevant stakeholders, while also drawing attention to various paper leak occurrences in Punjab.

VCK MP Thol. Thirumavalavan called for the immediate scrapping of the NEET medical entrance test and urged the dissolution of the NTA, the body tasked with conducting nationwide exams. He stated that recurring paper leaks amount to a betrayal of students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Championing federalism, he asserted that state governments ought to retain the authority to organize their own entrance tests and demanded transferring education from the Concurrent List back to the State List.

JMM MP Vijay Kumar Hansdak asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah ought to accept blame for the police action against student demonstrators, urging an immediate prohibition on employing pellet guns against protesters. He alleged that the ruling BJP administration is misleading Parliament regarding paper leak occurrences, stating that education has never featured on the party's list of priorities.

AAP MP Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer stated that the nationwide student protests successfully dismantled the BJP's 'Hindu-Muslim narrative'. He urged the central government to focus on preventive measures to counter paper leaks, stressing that merely increasing penalties will not bring an end to examination malpractices.

Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda claimed the government was compelled to introduce the anti-paper leak legislation only after realizing that student demonstrations were gaining momentum against them. He termed the pledge of fast-track courts a false assurance. Taking a dig at the ruling regime, Hooda remarked that when citizens demanded accountability, the government firmly ruled out the resignation of any NDA ministers.

Samajwadi Party MP Harendra Singh Malik stated that past instances of paper leaks cannot be cited to justify present lapses in examination security. He cautioned the government that historical student movements have overturned administrations in the past and could repeat history.

RJD MP Abhay Kumar Sinha alleged that despite the government agreeing to withdraw FIRs filed against demonstrators, local police authorities claim they have received no formal instructions to drop the cases. Regarding the proposed anti-paper leak legislation, he argued that rather than stopping leaks beforehand, the draft primarily focuses on post-offense punishment. He urged the House to refer the measure to a Joint Parliamentary Committee.

Remarks made by Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra concerning Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi have been struck off from the official Lok Sabha proceedings.

CPI(M) MP from Tamil Nadu, Su Venkatesan, asserted that while the Union government brought this legislation to modify NEET, the examination scheme itself represents a fundamental flaw and should be discarded completely. He claimed Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan stepped down solely to shield PM Modi, questioning why Pradhan's resignation took so long when the NEET-UG paper leak occurred on May 3. He criticized NEET for undermining classroom instruction while rewarding coaching institutes, questioning if fast-track courts could ever resolve this core issue. Venkatesan warned that NEET undermines state rights, destroys student self-esteem, and drives vulnerable youth to suicide. He demanded the scrapping of both NEET and the National Education Policy (NEP) to restore education under state jurisdiction. Furthermore, he insisted that Home Minister Amit Shah address the crackdown on student protesters and tender an apology to the nation.

Detailing the administration's measures regarding the NEET paper breach, BJP MP Anurag Singh Thakur stated that the re-examination was administered under rigorous multi-layered security protocol. He added that the exam spanned 5,440 testing centers nationwide and featured question papers prepared in 13 regional languages.

Congress MP K.C. Venugopal demanded that Union Home Minister Amit Shah appear before the Lok Sabha and order a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into police action against students. Questioning Shah's absence, Venugopal remarked that he is the authority governing Delhi. Describing the situation as a 'crisis of hope', he charged the government with betraying the nation's youth, adding that without genuine intent to tackle paper leaks, the proposed law will yield no real results.

Taking a jab at Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Lok Sabha on July 28, 2026, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra asserted that if he wishes to connect with Gen Z, producing videos with shifting camera angles won't suffice, as this generation possesses an innate ability to spot untruths. She emphasized that the Prime Minister needs to alter the disposition of his heart rather than camera angles, criticizing the administration's stance on youth problems and its response to student demonstrations.

Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav stated that the student protest was entirely peaceful, with youth from across the country marching toward Parliament to demand the Education Minister's resignation. She noted that opposition leaders also joined the movement and condemned the unexplainable police brutality directed at young protesters. She added that students faced the harsh response fearlessly despite feeling humiliated, accusing the administration of stripping the nation's youth of their dignity.

Commenting on police action during the Parliament March, NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) leader Supriya Sule reflected on how MPs remained safe inside the complex while parents outside worried for their children taking part in the protest. She requested the government to institute an SIT inquiry into the police violence to prevent recurrence and urged the convening of an all-party meeting to draft a foolproof legislation against paper leaks.

BJP MP Tejasvi Surya stated that a broken system represents merely a symptom of deeper issues, which the National Education Policy 2020 aims to rectify. He further remarked that while opposition parties are calling for accountability regarding nationwide competitive exams, they must also take responsibility for tests conducted under state administrations.

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra asserted that the current administration has systematically eroded all sectors responsible for job creation, adding that the overall examination framework in the country has completely collapsed.

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra accused the ruling party of gutting the education setup by inducting RSS functionaries. She stated that the administration worsened the situation by arbitrarily setting up the NTA and centralizing exam mechanisms. Furthermore, she pointed out that education's allocation within the national budget is consistently shrinking rather than growing year over year.

Seeking explanations from Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra questioned who authorized the firing of pellet guns at student demonstrators. She asked why the police felt it necessary to employ severe physical force during the peaceful Parliament March.

Shiv Sena parliamentarian Shrikant Eknath Shinde stated that the authorities must overhaul the current NEET examination framework. He suggested that candidates ought to be granted several opportunities to appear for the medical entrance test.

Addressing the country's youth, Shrikant Eknath Shinde asserted that the BJP-led administration stands firmly alongside them. He remarked that rather than merely denouncing the paper leaks, the government actively initiated measures to cleanse the evaluation framework. Mr. Shinde mentioned that Dharmendra Pradhan accepted accountability for the leak and stepped down. He further noted that the NEET re-test was successfully organized within 37 days, followed by the declaration of results in just 25 days.

Referring to comments made earlier by DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran, TDP lawmaker Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu urged the establishment of a national question bank alongside decentralizing the preparation of examination papers, arguing it would enhance fairness. In response, Mr. Maran interjected with a call to "ban NEET". Retorting to this, Mr. Lavu quipped that Tamil Nadu seeks to prohibit everything, which is precisely why business investments are redirecting to Andhra Pradesh, expressing his gratitude mockingly. Addressing student demonstrations, Mr. Lavu remarked that young people are anxious about their prospects amidst rapid technological advancements. He maintained that the administration performed exceptionally well by paying heed to students' concerns and introducing necessary reforms.

Lawmaker Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu presented two key proposals to the central administration: 1) Pacing fast-track adjudication: Drawing a comparison to steps initiated after the 2012 Nirbhaya incident, Mr. Lavu stressed the necessity of closely monitoring the speed at which justice is delivered. 2) Addressing forensic vacancies: Requesting intervention from the Ministry of Home Affairs, he pressed for filling open posts in forensic departments to expedite investigative procedures. Additionally, he advocated for regulating coaching centers to preserve the non-profit nature of education. Presiding officer Jagdambika Pal subsequently directed the attention of the relevant Union Minister to these recommendations.

Expressing approval for the amendments brought to the anti-paper leak legislation, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) legislator Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu stated that the central government is acknowledging the core challenge of paper leaks and remains ready to enact necessary modifications. He further pointed out that the TMC has backed the legislation, urging other political parties to extend their support as well.

DMK legislator Dayanidhi Maran asserted that 'Gen Z' students compelled Parliament to debate the NEET controversy, despite the government's attempts to cover up the matter. Elaborating on the treatment meted out to young demonstrators, Mr. Maran highlighted heavy-handed police actions during protests, internet blackouts, and law enforcement employing Meta high-tech eyewear. Concluding his address, he emphatically called for an immediate ban on NEET.

Raising a sequence of queries, DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran questioned whether the implementation of NEET resulted in any meaningful improvements. He pointed out that even the inaugural NEET test had to be annulled owing to a paper leak. He noted that practicing doctors across the country today never took the NEET test, yet they rank among the finest healthcare professionals globally. Asserting that NEET is redundant, he cautioned against imposing a 'One Nation, One Exam' model, stating that while they are an integral part of India, it cannot be dictated on the government's terms. He also expressed gratitude to the Union Minister for tabling the bill in English instead of Hindi or Sanskrit.

Reaffirming his party's demand to scrap the medical entrance test, DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran stated that the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test remains the central problem, describing it as non-uniform and prejudicial toward students. He cited data from Tamil Nadu and other states demonstrating that NEET restricts students belonging to underprivileged backgrounds from securing medical admissions fairly, citing the tragic instance of Anitha. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin paid homage to Anitha and Jagadheeswaran, who lost their lives in connection with NEET pressures. The Chief Minister reiterated calls for scrapping NEET while encouraging students to focus on developing their abilities. He stressed that the state government remains dedicated to upholding social justice and safeguarding all citizens, announcing the foundation stone for 162 residential units in Kolathur along with active distress helplines.

Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee asserted that the country's youth are sharper than the BJP considers them to be. He emphasized that students are seeking institutional certainty and guaranteed outcomes for their dedication rather than pity, adding that safeguarding merit represents the supreme form of patriotism. While declaring support for the legislation, he emphasized that the bill should not serve as a clean chit for the ruling party, highlighting the absence of comprehensive records on leaks and zero convictions over the last ten years. Furthermore, he pointed out that the initial proceeding in the dedicated fast-track court addressing the NEET leak matter was deferred on Monday (July 27, 2026) because the legal representative for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) did not show up. Additionally, reports highlight a growing cultural divide between older WhatsApp users and younger Instagram demographics, reflecting the ruling party's challenges in connecting with modern youth.

TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee criticized the administration for failing to protect the examination framework, arguing against resorting to extreme logistical setups like deploying Indian Air Force (IAF) planes and choppers to transport NEET-UG 2026 re-test question papers across the nation. He asserted that the central issue does not rest with the question papers themselves, but rather with the government's systemic failure to secure the apparatus. Ahead of the June 21 re-test, the IAF oversaw the safe transportation of NEET-UG question papers across various regions under strict protective measures.

Commencing his speech in the House, TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee stated that Trinamool Congress endorses the legislation and its proposed amendments. Amid rising noise in the chamber, MP Mahua Moitra asked presiding officer Dilip Saikia to bring the House to order. Continuing his speech, Mr. Banerjee remarked that if tests remain vulnerable to leaks, no legislative amendment will be able to rebuild the shattered trust of students. He added that the introduction of this bill is an implicit acknowledgment by the BJP and the NDA that they failed to safeguard examinations and protect students' interests.

Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav stated that although he did not witness the Emergency era, the national capital experienced comparable injustice during the demonstrations organized by the CJP, noting that police even deployed shock batons against protesters. He suggested that political history might repeat itself with a major regime change similar to the political shift that occurred after the Emergency. Adding that the issue concerns the government's moral conscience rather than mere legislation, he once again cited the alleged financial irregularities in the Ram Temple project.

Expressing sharp criticism in the House, Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav remarked that he hopes the government has not misconstrued 'accountability' as merely filling bank accounts. Targeting the National Testing Agency (NTA) in light of widespread paper leak scandals, he noted that Opposition members fear the entire governance framework might be outsourced soon. He lamented that even institutions requiring the utmost public trust are being handed over to third parties.

Raising the issue of alleged financial irregularities in Ram Temple donations, the Samajwadi Party leader questioned how those failing to safeguard temple offerings could prevent examination paper leaks. He further challenged the government, stating that if his allegations were incorrect, the Union Home Minister should address the Parliament to provide clarification. The controversy stems from claims of donation misappropriation at the Ram Temple, which led to official inquiries and demands for administrative restructuring.

Opening his speech on a humorous note, Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav remarked that the ruling dispensation believed it was unbending until forced to compromise. He quipped that they ousted a 'Pradhan' [Dharmendra Pradhan] solely to shield the 'Pradhan Mantri' [Prime Minister].

Asserting that PM Modi addressed the regulatory lacunae inherited from the previous UPA administration through new laws, BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj adopted youth slang to remark that "Modi ji clocked it."

Enumerating various instances of paper leaks in Opposition-administered states as well as during UPA tenure before 2014, BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj stated she was highlighting the Opposition's "selective outrage" rather than engaging in counter-accusations. She inquired when Opposition leaders planned to demand the resignation of Punjab's Education Minister over paper leaks in that state.

Supporting the proposed amendment legislation, BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj underscored provisions like fast-track courts, emphasizing that the bill protects meritocracy, ensures transparency, and secures the aspirations of young Indians. She described the measure as an outcome of accountable governance under PM Modi, linking it to broader youth-centric initiatives aimed at 'Viksit Bharat' and noting PM Modi's 'Pariksha pe Charcha' drive to transform exam stress into confidence.

Detailing incidents of police force against student demonstrators across Delhi, Bihar, and other regions during recent CJP-led demonstrations, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi renewed the demand for Union Home Minister Amit Shah to explain high-handed police tactics, including pellet guns and assault rifles. In response, Speaker Om Birla requested parliamentarians to keep their remarks focused strictly on the legislative bill under debate. Records indicate that the RAF deployed pellet guns against protesters in Delhi, disputing earlier police statements and drawing scrutiny over force proportionality.

Citing Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi's earlier remarks, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi asserted that ex-Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who resigned amidst NEET exam controversies, merely served as a front for the ministry. He added that his exit fails to reinstate confidence in the education framework among students or lawmakers.

Pointing out flaws within the National Testing Agency (NTA), Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi pressed the administration regarding administrative lapses, asking how 47 staff members were dismissed when NTA's sanctioned strength stands at only 34. He further questioned why the NTA Chairman was receiving protection, alleging close ties with the RSS, which views the educational sector as vital. Meanwhile, the central government has removed 47 NTA officials alongside tightening anti-paper leak provisions to curb examination malpractices.

Initiating the debate on behalf of the Opposition, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi initially touched upon the severe flooding situation in Assam. Turning to the anti-paper leak legislation, he criticized the government's commitment to the education sector, questioning why numerous paper leaks occurred in 2025 and beyond if the initial law was already enacted in 2024.

Concluding his Lok Sabha address, Mr. Singh declared that the administration's intentions are entirely genuine and that no political party should oppose the bill. He added that if any party raises objections, the public will hold them accountable. The examination reform task force constituted by PM Modi is headed by Nandan Nilekani to streamline test administration.

While the original 2024 legislation primarily held the immediate wrongdoer accountable, the proposed modifications with enhanced prison sentences are intended to cover everyone directly or indirectly involved, Mr. Singh stated.

Recalling a series of paper leaks before 2014, MoS Jitendra Singh remarked that no comprehensive legislation existed to address such cases earlier, adding that Prime Minister Modi and the government completed an "unfinished task". He elaborated on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, emphasizing that the amendments are intended to deliver "speedy justice".

Initiating the debate on the Public Examinations Amendment Bill, Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh noted that the modifications pertain to the 2024 Act, which was a first-of-its-kind law in independent India enacted by the present administration to secure students' future. Observing that paper leak incidents have occurred across multiple states run by different political parties, Dr. Singh emphasized that he does not intend to indulge in political fault-finding.

Amid persistent Opposition demonstrations, the Rajya Sabha was adjourned for the remainder of the day. The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Amendment) Bill, 2026 was introduced in the House prior to the adjournment. The Upper House will reassemble on Wednesday (July 29, 2026) at 11 a.m.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stated that all political parties initially agreed to a six-hour debate on the anti-paper leak legislation, which was later extended to eight hours. He added that if the Opposition desires further time, the government is ready to spend up to 10 hours in total, a decision agreed to by Speaker Om Birla.

Chair: Harivansh Singh

According to sources within the INDIA coalition, the Congress party has lined up its prominent figures—including Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, K.C. Venugopal, and Gaurav Gogoi—to speak in the Lok Sabha when 'The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026' is taken up. Deliberations over the anti-paper leak law in the Lower House are scheduled to commence at 2 p.m. An insider from the opposition bloc noted, "We are neither against the paper leak bill nor a debate on it; we back all steps aimed at tightening exam security, but the administration must answer regarding pellet gun usage and excessive force against demonstrating students." This indicates that while opposition ranks are willing to join the debate, their participation comes with conditions regarding government accountability over police action during student rallies.

A group of lawmakers who recently left the Trinamool Congress to join the NCPI attended their maiden NDA parliamentary party meeting on Tuesday (July 28, 2026), which was presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi alongside key cabinet ministers. Speaking after the session, NCPI parliamentarian Sayoni Ghosh remarked, "I attended the NDA meeting today, which proved to be highly valuable and informative in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Our talks focused on FTAs and were very constructive." She added that all members ought to support the anti-paper leak legislation scheduled for debate later this afternoon.

Congress lawmaker Pawan Khera stated that opposition parties have repeatedly urged Home Minister Amit Shah to appear in Parliament to address reports of pellet guns and AK-47 weapons being used against youths demonstrating over last week's NEET exam leak. He questioned, "As stated earlier, we have continuously raised our voices on this over past days, yet the government acts with arrogance. Why is the Home Minister hesitating to step forward and respond? What prevents him from issuing an official statement? What is the issue with the Prime Minister apologizing?"

Purnea MP Pappu Yadav held a symbolic protest inside Parliament premises wearing a forehead bandage displaying the word ‘Justice’. He stated, "Lathi charges are being launched against citizens. Measures previously used in Kashmir are now being turned on students here. Can't people see this? It baffles me. Did everyone not witness yesterday's incident involving Dharmendra Pradhan? A turban, globally held as a respected symbol, was placed on a corrupt person. Will you honour a thief with such a respected turban? People are being thrashed with batons, and we too are facing baton attacks."

CPI(M) lawmaker John Brittas remarked, "The entire administration is a symbol of corruption, so why limit the issue to Dharmendra Pradhan alone? Numerous pressing matters—ranging from Ayodhya to violent police attacks on students on Delhi's streets to ethanol—demand discussion on the floor of the House. It is deeply unfortunate that despite assurances given to protesting students that all cases would be withdrawn, the government is now resorting to various ploys to file new cases against them."

While MPs were bringing up issues with the permission of the Presiding Officer, Opposition members in the Rajya Sabha persisted with shouting slogans and protesting. They pressed for a debate regarding alleged police violence during the July 20 demonstration in Delhi. In response to the continuous uproar, Chair Radhakrishnan suspended the sitting until 2 p.m.

Lower House proceedings have been put on hold until 2 p.m. When the House reassembles at 2 p.m., lawmakers are expected to debate the Public Examinations Unfair Practices Amendment Bill.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla appealed to parliamentarians to uphold decorum and refrain from creating disturbances while Question Hour is underway. "Deliberation on the critical issue will take place, as both the ruling side and the Opposition have reached a consensus. We shall begin debating the proposed legislation at 2 p.m.," he stated, encouraging lawmakers to allow Question Hour to proceed smoothly.

The day's proceedings in the Upper House got underway under the chairmanship of C.P. Radhakrishnan.

Presiding Officer Om Birla initiated the day's sitting by extending congratulations and recognition to the Indian athletes who secured medals at the 2026 Commonwealth Games held in Glasgow.

Speaker Om Birla informed the Lok Sabha that six hours have been set aside for discussing the legislation, adding that additional time could be granted if the House deems it necessary. This proposed law was introduced by the administration following 36 days of student agitation organized by the CJP. The demonstrations, which began on June 20, ended on July 25 after Mr. Pradhan stepped down and the government agreed to key demands. Under the provisions of the draft law, inquiries into paper leak incidents must be concluded within a two-month timeframe.

The Upper House was adjourned for the full day on Monday (July 27, 2026), marking the sixth straight day of the monsoon session without executing any legislative work. Although the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, was on the agenda for consideration and passage, it remained unaddressed because Opposition members insisted on an apology from Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding police measures against demonstrating students. Proceedings in the Rajya Sabha were suspended for the sixth day in a row amid Opposition demands for Home Minister Amit Shah's apology.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, alongside key leaders, attended the NDA Parliamentary Party meeting prior to the start of Day 7 of the Monsoon Session.

Congress lawmaker Randeep Singh Surjewala has submitted an Adjournment Motion notice in the Upper House, seeking a debate on the alleged high-handedness of police during recent student demonstrations. In his notice, he urged for the suspension of scheduled proceedings in the Rajya Sabha to urgently address the reported violence against peaceful student demonstrators in Delhi on July 20, 2026, citing incidents of lathi-charge, tear gas shells, pellet guns, and attacks on female students and media personnel. Surjewala demanded an official statement from the Union Home Minister detailing if force was sanctioned and pinning accountability, alongside a clarification from the Prime Minister regarding government measures, responsibility, and protections going forward.

Congress MP Manickam Tagore submitted an Adjournment Motion notice in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, demanding an immediate debate on the Central Government's position concerning construction projects along the Cauvery River. Tagore highlighted the necessity of safeguarding Tamil Nadu's legal rights and the welfare of its agricultural community amidst Karnataka's planned Mekedatu reservoir project. Labeling the situation as a critical matter of public interest, the MP voiced strong apprehension regarding the Centre's latest communication on the proposed dam.