Priyanka Gandhi accuses BJP of ruining youth’s future amid NEET and UGC-NET scandals

On Friday, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra launched a scathing attack on the BJP government over frequent exam paper leaks, which she claims have jeopardized the future of millions of students. She highlighted the rampant corruption in recruitment processes, specifically pointing to the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) and UGC-NET exam scandals.

In a post on X, Priyanka demanded strict action against those responsible for the “NEET scam” to ensure justice for the 24 lakh Indian students affected. She stated, “Rampant corruption in recruitments, paper leaks, and educational scams under BJP rule are pushing the country’s future into darkness. We demand immediate and strict action on the NEET exam scam so that 24 lakh youth get justice.”

Congress leaders and workers held protests across the country on Friday to voice their anger over the alleged NEET exam scam. The NEET exam, conducted on May 5, saw about 24 lakh students participate. However, allegations of paper leaks surfaced after the results were announced on June 4, leading to widespread outrage.

Priyanka Gandhi further criticized the BJP government, claiming that in the last five years, papers of 43 recruitment exams have been leaked. She emphasized that paper leaks have become a national problem under BJP rule, ruining the futures of countless young people. She expressed concern that, despite India having the largest youth population in the world, the government is failing to provide them with adequate opportunities and support.

The controversy surrounding NEET intensified when students at a Rajasthan centre received English question papers instead of Hindi ones, and reports of torn OMR sheets and delays in distributing papers emerged. In Patna, a case was filed over a paper leak, leading to the arrest of 13 individuals involved in supplying answers, including four examinees.

For weeks, thousands of students have protested across India, alleging question paper leaks, inflated marks, and arbitrary grace marks. Opposition parties have demanded a Supreme Court-monitored investigation into these issues.

Analysis:

Political: The NEET and UGC-NET scandals have significant political ramifications. Priyanka Gandhi’s vocal criticism aims to hold the BJP accountable and highlight its alleged failures in managing the education sector. This situation presents an opportunity for the opposition to galvanize support among the youth and their families, potentially influencing voter sentiment in future elections.

Social: The ongoing scandal underscores a broader societal issue: the integrity of educational and recruitment processes in India. Frequent paper leaks and irregularities erode trust in the system, leading to widespread frustration and disillusionment among students and their families.

Racial: Although not directly related to racial issues, the integrity of national exams like NEET and UGC-NET is crucial for maintaining fairness and equal opportunity across all communities. Any perceived bias or corruption disproportionately affects marginalized groups, exacerbating existing inequalities.

Gender: The scandal affects both male and female students equally, but it highlights the additional burden on female students who often face more significant societal and familial pressures to succeed in competitive exams. Ensuring a fair and transparent examination process is essential for promoting gender equality in education.

Economical: The economic impact of these scandals is profound. Families invest significant resources in preparing their children for these exams, including coaching fees, study materials, and travel expenses. Corruption and irregularities not only waste these investments but also diminish future economic prospects for affected students, thereby impacting the nation’s overall economic growth.