The Lok Sabha witnessed intense political friction during the ongoing monsoon session as discussions began on the stringent anti-paper leak legislation, officially known as the Public Examinations Amendment Bill 2026. Following the resumption of proceedings after two o'clock on Tuesday, opposition parties left no stone unturned in cornering the central administration over recurring examination malpractices. While an initial six-hour slot was allocated for deliberations on this crucial legislative proposal, the duration was extended to a total of 10 hours following persistent demands from the opposition benches. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla permitted all participating members to express their perspectives comprehensively on the matter.
Abhishek Banerjee Slams the Centre Over Youth Unrest
Proceedings inside the lower house hit a turbulent phase when the Speaker instructed Mahua Moitra to resume her seat, a directive she declined to follow. Amidst this backdrop, Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee launched a sharp attack on the central government over the state of the educational apparatus and student welfare. He alleged that instead of lending a sympathetic ear to the legitimate grievances of youngsters, authorities deployed pellet guns and tear gas shells against them. He questioned why the youth of the nation are being treated as a law and order menace. Banerjee claimed that over the past two years, not a single perpetrator involved in paper leak scandals has been convicted, arguing that persistent leaks serve as the ultimate testimony of administrative failure.
Akhilesh Yadav Questions Government Credibility
Weighing in on the debate, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav delivered a scathing critique of the administration, remarking that those who fail to curb petty wrongdoings can hardly be expected to stop organized paper leaks. Yadav claimed that NEET examinations will continue to face leaks in the future due to the current regime's complete inability to check them. He added that matriculation and intermediate board papers have also leaked repeatedly without any plausible explanation from authorities. The opposition leader further alleged that the government systematically targeted and shut down primary schools, adversely impacting the education of underprivileged children. Furthermore, he accused the RSS of dismantling premier educational institutions across the country and alleged that a politics of hatred is being promoted.
The Samajwadi Party leader noted that the youth had raised slogans against the establishment because those in power suffered from arrogance and believed they were infallible, prompting youngsters to assert that systemic accountability must be enforced. He pointed out that when a union minister returned to the capital, public demonstrations outside reflected the deep-seated anger brewing among the younger demographic.
Gaurav Gogoi Questions NTA Transfers and Exam Integrity
Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi dismissed the proposed legislation as mere theatrical posturing, asserting that the government lacks any genuine intent to reform the education ecosystem. Questioning the ongoing investigations into NEET UG 2024, Gogoi highlighted that out of 45 chargesheeted individuals, 44 have already secured bail, describing the situation as a monument to systemic failure. He also questioned authorities regarding National Testing Agency personnel, noting that while the government reported the transfer of 47 individuals associated with NTA, the sanctioned strength of the agency stands at merely 34. He demanded transparency on the identity of the extra personnel. Additionally, Gogoi raised the issue of 70 deaths caused by recent floods in Assam and urged the central government to announce a special financial relief package.
Presenting the government's stance, Bharatiya Janata Party MP Bansuri Swaraj countered the opposition's allegations by asserting that the proposed legislation reflects an unwavering commitment to eradicating paper leaks. She characterized the bill as a transformative measure that establishes fast-track courts to conclude trials within a three-month timeframe, ensuring timely justice for students. Swaraj emphasized that the administration under Prime Minister Narendra Modi is dedicated to safeguarding student futures above partisan politics, while issuing a stern warning of strict legal consequences for exam mafias.
Earlier, when legislative discussions commenced, Congress MP K.C. Venugopal raised objections regarding the absence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah from the House. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju acknowledged the opposition's request for extended debate time, confirming readiness to expand the discussion window to 10 hours. Speaker Om Birla underscored that the subject is of paramount national importance, echoing a collective desire for robust legislation.
Key Provisions of the Anti-Paper Leak Legislation
The anti-paper leak bill was formally introduced by Minister of State Jitendra Singh, aimed at institutionalizing transparency across examination frameworks. The statutory framework incorporates rigorous punitive measures, including up to 10 years of imprisonment and monetary fines scaling up to Rs 10 crore for proven offenders. Additionally, provisions allow for the attachment of properties belonging to those found guilty, while fast-track judicial mechanisms are designed to deliver verdicts within three months to effectively deter organized examination fraud.
