NEW DELHI — The Indian government said on Thursday it was prepared to hold a detailed discussion in Parliament on the NEET examination paper leak controversy, urging opposition parties to participate in the debate without imposing preconditions as continued protests disrupted proceedings in both Houses.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the government was willing to discuss "any issue, including NEET," and had already conveyed its readiness to hold a debate in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. He said the government was prepared to accommodate the opposition's preference on the timing and duration of the discussion in an effort to break the parliamentary deadlock.
"The government is ready for discussion," Rijiju said, while accusing opposition parties of delaying proceedings by attaching conditions to the debate rather than participating in it. According to official statements, he appealed for cooperation to ensure Parliament could function normally.
The opposition, however, maintained its demand that Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resign before any discussion on the controversy begins, arguing that ministerial accountability must precede a parliamentary debate. Opposition leaders reiterated that position as repeated disruptions forced adjournments in both Houses for another consecutive day.
Leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha J.P. Nadda also said the government was prepared for an in-depth discussion on the examination paper leak issue and called for a broader policy response aimed at preventing future incidents. He urged opposition parties to engage in what he described as a constructive debate rather than politicising the issue.
The NEET paper leak controversy has triggered nationwide political debate and student protests following allegations of irregularities in the national medical entrance examination. The issue has become a central point of contention during the current Parliament session, with opposition parties demanding accountability from the government and the resignation of the education minister.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier announced plans to establish fast-track courts to deal with examination paper leak cases and pledged swift action against those responsible, while the government has said it is pursuing reforms to strengthen the integrity of public examinations. Protest organisers and opposition parties have continued to press for stronger political accountability alongside institutional reforms.
As of Thursday, Parliament remained repeatedly adjourned amid continuing protests and procedural disagreements, with the government reaffirming its willingness to debate the NEET issue and the opposition maintaining that the education minister's resignation remains a prerequisite for discussions.
