New Delhi, 28 July (H.S.): The entire country’s attention is focused on Parliament today, with the Lok Sabha likely to witness the end of the prolonged deadlock and begin discussions on a bill containing stringent provisions against question paper leaks. It has been reported that, following the initiative of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, all major political parties agreed on Monday to hold a discussion on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026.

The ongoing session is Parliament’s Monsoon Session. So far, the Opposition has created repeated disruptions in both Houses over the student protests. After a 36-day agitation at Jantar Mantar, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had to resign. The government has taken several measures to prevent examination irregularities and paper leaks. A task force headed by Nandan Nilekani has also been constituted. The government has maintained that all possible steps are being taken to ensure transparency and prevent question paper leaks.

Following the clash between police and students during the Parliament march on July 20, Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with the protesters through an Instagram video. Addressing the youth as “friends”, the Prime Minister assured them that the government was aware of their concerns and was sensitive towards their issues.

On Monday, the Opposition raised the issue of alleged police action against students in both Houses of Parliament — the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha — and demanded that all other business be suspended to hold a discussion on the matter. In the Lok Sabha, the Congress created a ruckus demanding an apology from the Prime Minister and a statement from the Union Home Minister. Amid the Opposition’s protests, Union Minister Jitendra Singh introduced the bill in the House.

The Opposition submitted 92 amendment proposals during the one-hour period allotted for introducing the bill but did not agree to participate in the discussion. After proceedings remained disrupted throughout the day, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju warned that the government would get the bill passed without debate if necessary.

At this stage, Speaker Om Birla intervened and held discussions with leaders of all parties to find a middle ground. Six hours have been allocated in the Lok Sabha today for a detailed discussion on examination reforms and measures to prevent paper leaks.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar