Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on Tuesday for the creation of a foolproof public examination system, making his first comments on the national medical entrance test paper leak scandal since it erupted in May, one day after his government deployed baton charges and tear gas against protesters marching on parliament.
Modi did not address the nation directly. His remarks were relayed to reporters by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, who said the prime minister had told ruling alliance lawmakers that the government had acted immediately when irregularities were reported, that 13 individuals had been arrested and jailed, that a re-examination was successfully conducted and that results were declared without delay.
Rijiju quoted Modi as saying that to ensure the future of youth is not jeopardised, everyone should unite to ensure strict steps are taken, those guilty punished, and a foolproof system is created.
The Cockroach Janta Party, the youth movement driving the protests, dismissed the government’s response as insufficient and said it would continue its campaign for accountability. The government said 13 people have been arrested and jailed over exam irregularities, but CJP leaders argue that the scandal reflects a deeper failure in India’s examination system that has disrupted the futures of millions of students.
