New Delhi, 25 July (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday thanked young people across the country for their overwhelming response to his recent Instagram video outlining the government's proposed measures to tackle examination paper leaks. He said the valuable feedback and suggestions shared by students and citizens had strengthened the government's resolve to introduce tougher reforms aimed at safeguarding the integrity of competitive examinations.

In a message posted on Instagram early Friday, the Prime Minister expressed gratitude to the youth for engaging with him and contributing constructive ideas on the issue, which has sparked nationwide concern in recent weeks.

Thank you, friends. I got the opportunity to meet you last night. The way you have responded to the video, sent insightful suggestions... thanks to everybody, PMModi said.

He added, Your love for me will remain, and our relationship will grow stronger... thank you, friends.

The remarks came a day after the Prime Minister released a video addressing growing public anxiety over repeated examination paper leaks. The issue has triggered protests by students, particularly in the national capital, where demonstrators have demanded stricter accountability and systemic reforms.

In his earlier address on Thursday night,PM Modi described paper leaks as a deeply distressing issue affecting lakhs of students and their families. He stressed that the government viewed the matter with utmost seriousness and had already initiated multiple corrective measures over the past two-and-a-half months.

Friends, I know that the paper leak is not an ordinary issue. It is very painful for lakhs of students and their families. That is why many steps have been taken in the last two-and-a-half months, the Prime Minister had said.

He further stated, The culprits have been caught and are in jail. Our most important responsibility was to ensure that students do not waste a single year. It was very important to take the exams immediately.

PM Modi also revealed that the government had moved quickly on a proposal to establish fast-track courts for paper leak cases. According to him, he directed the concerned departments to prepare the proposal, which was submitted late Thursday night after extensive work.

I gave instructions to the departments for the fast-track court. Today, the departments worked hard and gave me the proposal late at night. Tomorrow, there will be a discussion in the cabinet. After the suggestions of the cabinet members, it will be given its final form. And from Monday, when the second week of Parliament starts, we will try to get that bill passed as soon as possible, he said.

The proposed legislation is expected to introduce stringent legal provisions aimed at ensuring faster trials and stronger punishment for those involved in examination-related fraud. The government's broader plan includes tighter safeguards in the examination process, enhanced accountability of agencies conducting recruitment and entrance tests, and institutional reforms designed to prevent future leaks.

The developments come amid continuing protests by students and civil society groups demanding greater transparency and accountability following recent examination controversies. Protest representatives have reiterated their demands for action against those responsible and broader reforms to restore confidence in the country's examination system.

The Centre has already taken administrative measures in response to the controversy, including personnel changes in the higher education administration and action against officials associated with examination management. Government sources have maintained that the focus remains on strengthening institutional mechanisms while ensuring that deserving students are not disadvantaged by irregularities in the examination process.

The government is expected to place the proposed legislation before Parliament during the coming week as part of its broader effort to reinforce the credibility of India's examination system and reassure millions of students preparing for competitive tests.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar