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Congress MP and Deputy Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the Centre during a debate on the anti-paper
leak Bill, questioning why the National Testing Agency (NTA) Chairman was not removed despite controversies surrounding major examination leaks. Calling the proposed legislation an "eyewash", Gogoi alleged that the government was not serious about reforming the education system and had failed to ensure accountability within the country's top testing agency.
Participating in the discussion in the Lok Sabha during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, Gogoi argued that despite the enactment of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, incidents of question paper leaks have continued to surface across the country.
"After listening to the minister's statement and reading the details of this amendment bill, it is clear that this government is not serious about reforming the education sector. This is nothing but a showpiece bill," he said.
The Congress leader referred to the controversy surrounding the NEET-UG and UGC-NET examinations in 2024, which triggered nationwide protests and concerns over the integrity of public examinations. He argued that the law passed two years ago had failed to prevent recurring leaks.
Questioning the National Testing Agency's accountability, Gogoi asked why action had been taken against some officials while others remained in their positions.
"Why did you replace the Director General of the NTA and keep the Chairman of the NTA?" he asked during the debate.
The Congress MP also defended students who participated in protests against alleged examination irregularities, saying many parents had supported their children in joining the demonstrations because the issue directly affected their future.
"Parents sent their children to protest with their blessings because it is about their future," he said.
Gogoi's remarks came as the Lok Sabha continued discussions on amendments related to measures aimed at preventing paper leaks and ensuring greater transparency in public examinations. The debate witnessed sharp exchanges between the opposition and the treasury benches over the government's handling of examination-related controversies and the effectiveness of existing safeguards.
