New Delhi, July 30, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday launched a strong attack on the Centre during the debate on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, accusing the government of responding to political pressure rather than introducing genuine reforms to safeguard students’ interests.
Participating in the debate in the Upper House, Kharge alleged that the government had prioritised politics over the future of students and questioned why stronger measures to prevent paper leaks had not been introduced earlier.
He also raised the issue of the alleged use of force against students during recent protests in Delhi, claiming that the police action could not have taken place without the knowledge of the Union Home Ministry. Demanding accountability, Kharge called on Union Home Minister Amit Shah to make a statement in Parliament on the matter.
Accusing the government of failing to engage with agitating students, Kharge alleged that the amendment Bill had been brought primarily in response to mounting public pressure rather than as part of a comprehensive reform agenda.
“You brought the Bill to stop the protests in Delhi. You did not bring the Bill for reforms,” he said, alleging that paper leaks, student protests and police action could have been avoided had the government acted earlier.
Kharge argued that the legislation should focus not only on punitive measures after examination irregularities but also on creating a stronger enforcement mechanism to prevent paper leaks. He questioned whether the government had clearly outlined how the proposed amendments would effectively stop such incidents.
The Congress leader said protests by students and youth across the country over the past two months had highlighted shortcomings in the examination system and compelled the government to respond.
He congratulated the students for what he described as a successful campaign that, according to him, forced the government to act. Kharge also claimed that the developments had led to the removal of former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, describing it as evidence of the influence of public pressure.
Recalling the government’s initial response to concerns over examination irregularities, Kharge alleged that students’ grievances were ignored for months and that no meaningful dialogue was initiated with the protesters.
The debate on the amendment Bill began in the Rajya Sabha after it was passed by the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. The proposed legislation seeks to strengthen the legal framework to curb paper leaks and other unfair practices in public examinations.
FOLLOW NOW
