By Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said the Centre had acted swiftly against those responsible for the NEET question paper leak, stressing that strict legal action had been initiated to protect the integrity of the examination system. Addressing NDA Members of Parliament during the alliance’s parliamentary party meeting, he also urged legislators to connect more actively with young people and address their concerns through constructive engagement.
The Prime Minister’s remarks came amid continued debate over the NEET paper leak issue. According to Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, Mr. Modi emphasised that maintaining transparency in competitive examinations is a national responsibility and called for coordinated efforts to ensure such incidents are not repeated.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Mr. Rijiju said the Prime Minister informed NDA MPs that authorities moved quickly after reports of the paper leak emerged, resulting in the arrest of 13 individuals allegedly linked to the case.
Mr. Modi also highlighted that the government prioritised protecting students’ academic future by conducting the NEET re-examination without unnecessary delay and ensuring the results were declared promptly. He said those found guilty should face the strictest legal punishment, supported by the country’s best legal mechanisms, so that future attempts to compromise public examinations are effectively deterred.
The Prime Minister further called on state governments to work closely with the Centre in preventing examination-related malpractice. He stressed that coordinated action between central and state agencies is essential to safeguard the credibility of recruitment and entrance examinations.
Referring to the aspirations of India’s youth, Mr. Modi urged NDA MPs to actively engage with students and guide them in a positive manner. He said ensuring fair and leak-free examinations should remain a national commitment rather than becoming an issue of political confrontation.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister also spoke about the achievements of young Indians in sectors such as science and innovation. He referred to India’s growing success in the space sector, including recent milestones achieved by the country’s private space industry, as examples of the potential and talent of India’s younger generation.
The discussion also touched upon concerns raised by farmers regarding the proposed India–United States Free Trade Agreement (FTA). According to Mr. Rijiju, the Prime Minister assured MPs that any trade agreement would be negotiated while keeping the interests of Indian farmers at the forefront and would seek to balance national economic priorities with the welfare of the agricultural community.
The NDA parliamentary party meeting, held under the banner of “Mangal Milan,” brought together alliance leaders, including newly inducted members. Besides reviewing parliamentary strategy for the Monsoon Session, the meeting focused on issues affecting students, farmers and national development, with the Prime Minister calling for constructive public outreach and responsible governance.
