Srinagar, 14 May (H.S.): Jammu and Kashmir Education Minister Sakina Itoo on Thursday called for a transparent investigation into paper leak cases and demanded strict action against those involved, irrespective of their influence or status.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a function at a school in Jammu City, the minister said, “My humble request — whether to the Supreme Court or the Centre — is that there should be a transparent investigation into this matter (paper leak). Whoever is found involved, no matter how influential or powerful they may be, should face strict action so that no one dares to play with the future of children in this way again.”

Itoo said repeated reports of paper leaks were deeply disturbing and had a severe impact on students and their families who spend years preparing for competitive examinations.

“Just imagine what those children must go through after working so hard; appearing in the examination and celebrating the notion that their papers went very well, and that they would now qualify the exam. Then, they receive the news that the paper has been leaked,” she said.

The minister said parents also suffer immensely as they too spend sleepless nights for their children, support them in studies and help them cope with stress in the hope that they would clear the examination.

“Years of hard work go into this. Some students even appear for the exam twice, hoping they will clear it this time. But when the news comes that the paper has been leaked, it is one of the greatest misfortunes,” she said.

The minister alleged that culprits were “buying merit, destroying lives and pushing students into depression”.

Regarding the downsizing of motorcades of the prime minister, Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor and director general of police in a bid to conserve fuel, Itoo said such measures should be seen in the larger national interest.

“If there is any difficulty for the country, and if we can help in any way or mitigate that difficulty somehow, then all of us should play our role in it,” she said.

The minister was responding to queries on administrative decisions aimed at reducing fuel consumption through scaled-down official convoys.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar