New Delhi, 23 July (H.S.): Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday urged opposition parties to participate in a discussion on the NEET paper leak controversy without setting any preconditions, stressing that issues concerning the future of students should not become a matter of political confrontation.

Addressing the Rajya Sabha, Rijiju said the government was ready to begin a debate on the issue immediately and questioned the need for any prior demands before discussions could take place. He appealed to opposition members to allow Parliament to function and engage in a constructive debate.

“Everyone has demanded a discussion on NEET. There should be no conditions attached to it. If conditions are imposed, it raises questions about the intention behind the demand,” Rijiju said.

The minister reiterated that the government was committed to taking strict action against those involved in examination irregularities. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had already assured the country that fast-track courts would be established and those responsible for compromising students’ futures would face stringent punishment.

Rijiju’s remarks came after the Prime Minister emphasised that the welfare and future of the nation’s youth remained the government’s top priority and assured that no individual involved in harming students’ interests would be spared.

The Parliamentary Affairs Minister also recalled that the government had expressed its willingness to discuss the NEET issue in the Lok Sabha as well. He said discussions among floor leaders were needed to decide the format, date and duration of the debate to ensure meaningful deliberations.

He added that the government wanted Parliament to discuss the steps taken to address examination-related concerns so that the public could be informed about the measures being implemented.

Meanwhile, opposition parties have continued to demand a detailed discussion on the alleged NEET paper leak issue and have sought the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the handling of the controversy.

Protests by opposition MPs have disrupted proceedings in both Houses of Parliament in recent days, with the government and opposition remaining divided over the approach to addressing the issue. Rijiju once again appealed for dialogue, urging all parties to participate in a debate without political conditions.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar