New Delhi, 28 July (H.S.): Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi on Tuesday opened the Opposition's debate in the Lok Sabha on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, alleging that the government was attempting to conceal the failures of the education system by introducing legislative amendments instead of implementing meaningful reforms. He said the Opposition would continue to stand with students and support the demand for a fair and transparent examination system.

Participating in the discussion on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, Gogoi said the government should focus on addressing structural weaknesses in the examination system rather than merely enacting new laws. He also questioned the functioning of the National Testing Agency (NTA), arguing that meaningful reforms would not be possible unless accountability was ensured within examination authorities.

He said repeated examination irregularities and failures had increased mental stress among students. According to Gogoi, the government should eliminate the conditions that jeopardise the future of honest candidates instead of merely imposing harsher punishments.

Gogoi further stated that comprehensive reforms were needed to address shortcomings involving paper leak syndicates, examination centres, printing presses, coaching institutes, outsourced operations, and the overall conduct of examinations. He noted that the recommendations of a previously constituted high-level committee had failed to produce the desired outcomes, as paper leak incidents had resurfaced.

He also pointed out that in 2024, the government had introduced a similar law claiming it would completely eliminate paper leaks. However, within two years, major examination scandals had emerged again. According to him, this demonstrated that increasing penalties alone would not resolve the problem.

Gogoi said the primary objective of the education system should be to provide opportunities to young people. He remarked that no student takes to the streets easily, and such protests occur only when there is deep frustration and disappointment. He also alleged that the police had used excessive force during the demonstrations.

He demanded that the government, particularly the Ministry of Home Affairs, clearly explain in the House at what level the orders were issued for the stringent action taken against the protesters.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar