J&K Education Minister demands transparent probe into NEET paper leak row

Jammu and Kashmir Education and Health Minister Sakina Itoo on Thursday said the NEET (National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test) paper leak has shattered the hopes and aspirations of thousands of students and their families, and called for a fair and transparent investigation into the matter.

The minister also urged government of India to take strict action against all those involved, irrespective of their influence or position.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which is probing the NEET paper leak, has arrested five persons and conducted raids at multiple locations across the country.

J&K Minister said students spend years preparing for one of the country’s most competitive entrance tests, while families make immense emotional and financial sacrifices to support them throughout the process.

“ The irregularities have deeply affected students who work tirelessly with the dream of securing admission to medical colleges through merit and hard work,” she told reporters on the side-lines of a function in Srinagar. “Children work so hard and put in immense effort to qualify for this exam. When unfortunately the news comes that the papers have been leaked, you can imagine what those children must feel after studying day and night and appearing in the examination with hope.”

The minister said the leak not only affects students’ careers but also pushes many into emotional distress and depression.

“Parents stay awake all night with them, help them in studies, bring them out of depression and encourage them to qualify this examination. Some students attempt it for the second time with the hope that they will succeed this year. But when such news comes, it is the most unfortunate thing,” Itoo said.

Calling for a fair and transparent investigation, the minister urged authorities to take stringent action against those responsible, irrespective of their influence or position.

“My request to the Supreme Court and the Government of India is that the investigation should be conducted in a transparent manner. Whoever is involved in this, no matter how big a person he is, there should be strict action against him,” she said.

She further said those responsible for such acts were playing with the lives and future of children and destroying the hard work of deserving candidates through money and corruption.

When asked about a plans of shifting to virtual education, the minister said no such decision has been taken so far