New Delhi, July 28, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Tuesday expressed hope that the Opposition would participate in the Lok Sabha debate on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, saying Parliament must return to normal functioning and address the concerns of students affected by examination irregularities.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the scheduled discussion on the Bill, Tharoor said it was important for Parliament to deliberate on issues that directly impact the country’s youth.
“I think it’s a very important debate and I think now the Opposition seems very likely to participate in this debate, which I’m very encouraged by because I think we need to get Parliament back on track. The voices of the children of India must be heard in Parliament, and many of us feel a responsibility to raise some of these issues,” he said.
Tharoor said the Opposition would scrutinise the proposed legislation to determine whether its provisions were adequate to curb examination paper leaks and safeguard students’ interests.
“If the discussion addresses what the nation is waiting to hear, we will certainly ask questions. Is the Bill introduced by the government sufficient? Will merely setting up fast-track courts or changing one or two provisions truly improve the future of our children? These are questions that need to be asked,” he said.
Calling for wider reforms in the examination system, the Congress leader argued that accountability should extend beyond the resignation of an individual minister.
“The government’s accountability is the most important thing. Only one minister’s resignation is not enough. The entire system needs to be transformed,” he added.
Tharoor also criticised the reception accorded to former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan when he arrived at Parliament on Monday following his resignation, saying it sent the wrong message.
“I think it’s a very disturbing development because obviously, when a minister resigns taking moral responsibility for a failure, you don’t greet him as a hero,” he said.
He further remarked that celebrating the resignation reflected a disconnect from the sentiments of students and families affected by alleged examination irregularities.
“These are people who studied, prepared for exams and were betrayed by the system. If you’re applauding and celebrating that, then you’re out of touch with the people,” Tharoor said.
The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, is scheduled to be taken up for discussion in the Lok Sabha as the government seeks to strengthen legal measures against paper leaks and examination-related fraud.
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