New Delhi, July 29, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Independent MP from Purnea, Rajesh Ranjan, popularly known as Pappu Yadav, on Wednesday raised concerns in the Lok Sabha over the functioning of the National Testing Agency (NTA) and the handling of investigations into examination paper leak cases during the debate on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026.
Participating in the discussion, Yadav questioned the operational structure of the NTA and its financial resources, stating that the agency had accumulated ₹3,654 crore between 2019 and 2024.
He also raised questions over appointments to the agency’s top positions, alleging that the same official had been repeatedly entrusted with key responsibilities despite adverse judicial findings.
“The Centre appointed as NTA chairman a person who had served in Madhya Pradesh and had been found guilty by a court. The same individual was later appointed Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission and then Chairman of the NTA. Is there only one officer in the entire country capable of holding these positions?” Yadav said in the House.
The MP further claimed that the NTA was functioning with only 24 officials despite conducting examinations for six to eight crore candidates annually.
“I want to know why six to eight crore application forms are being processed every year and why such a huge amount of money goes to the NTA. Who are the people who have a stake in the NTA?” he asked.
Questioning the investigation into examination paper leak cases, Yadav also alleged that key accused had been released and criticised the role of central investigative agencies.
He claimed that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had released five principal accused, including Sanjeev Mukhiya, who he alleged was linked to the NEET-UG paper leak and other examination paper leak cases in Bihar. He further alleged that the Centre had constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT), taking over the investigation from the state authorities.
During his address, Yadav urged the government to adopt international best practices to strengthen the integrity of India’s examination system.
He cited examples from the United States, where many examinations are conducted through real-time computer-based testing; South Korea, where question paper setters are reportedly kept in isolation before examinations to maintain confidentiality; and China, where he claimed strict penalties, including lifetime disqualification from government employment, are imposed on those convicted of examination fraud.
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