Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for the strictest possible action against those involved in the alleged NEET examination paper leak, stressing that protecting the integrity of the country`s examination system is a national responsibility.
The remarks were made during the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Parliamentary Party`s Mangal Milan meeting on Tuesday, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju told reporters after the session.
According to Rijiju, Modi urged all stakeholders to work together to establish a secure and foolproof examination system to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Prime Minister also appealed to NDA partners to remain united during Parliament`s Monsoon Session and asked opposition parties to cooperate on legislative business despite political differences.
"All lawmakers have a shared responsibility for the country`s future and the welfare of its youth," Rijiju quoted Modi as saying.
The Prime Minister`s comments come amid continuing protests over alleged irregularities in India`s competitive examinations, particularly the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET), the country`s medical entrance exam.
On Monday, police used tear gas and batons to stop hundreds of students attempting to march towards Parliament in New Delhi.
The protest was organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a satirical political movement that has become a prominent voice in the campaign against alleged examination malpractice.
Demonstrators demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
More than two million candidates sit for NEET each year.
This year`s examination was cancelled in May following allegations that the question paper had been leaked before the test.
Authorities later conducted a fresh examination.
The controversy was compounded by complaints over the online evaluation system used for nearly two million students taking the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) high school examinations, with some alleging incorrect grading and discrepancies in published results.
Rijiju said Modi highlighted the government`s swift response to the NEET controversy, noting that several arrests had been made and action taken against those allegedly involved. He added that the Prime Minister said the re-examination was conducted promptly to safeguard students` academic futures.
Public anger intensified after education reform campaigner Sonam Wangchuk was hospitalised on Saturday following a 21-day hunger strike in support of the student movement.
Wangchuk later announced that he would continue his fast from hospital, accusing the authorities of mishandling peaceful protests.
Meanwhile, the CJP said two of its leaders met Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda after the government initiated contact.
During the meeting, they submitted a letter outlining the protesters` demands. Nadda later described the discussions as cordial.
The opening day of Parliament`s Monsoon Session was marked by repeated disruptions as opposition lawmakers staged protests over the alleged NEET paper leak, alongside other issues including allegations linked to donations for the Ram temple.
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