New Delhi, 27 July (H.S.):

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Monday said it was unfortunate that Parliament could not hold a discussion on the proposed Anti-Paper Leak Bill despite the issue being of immense importance to students across the country.

Speaking to reporters in the Parliament House complex, Rijiju said the government had introduced a crucial piece of legislation to curb paper leaks and the use of unfair means in public examinations, keeping in mind the demands of students and the recent nationwide student movement.

He said that if Parliament failed to debate such a significant issue even after a large-scale student movement, it would be neither good for Parliament nor for democracy. Parliament, he added, is the highest forum for debate and discussion, and matters of such national importance should be discussed meaningfully in the House.

Rijiju alleged that the Congress and certain Opposition parties were preventing a discussion on the Bill by disrupting the proceedings through slogan shouting, displaying black placards, and other forms of protest.

He appealed to the Congress and other Opposition parties to understand the sentiments of students across the country and participate in a constructive debate on the legislation instead of creating disruptions in the House.

The minister said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had taken a major decision to reform the examination system and had also constituted a task force to recommend comprehensive reforms.

Rijiju said the proposed legislation was a historic Bill that introduced stringent and time-bound provisions to prevent paper leaks and examination malpractice while prescribing severe punishment for those found guilty. He said the law would help secure the future of students and urged all political parties to place students' interests above politics by engaging in a serious and positive discussion on the Bill.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar