NDA Mangal Milan: PM Modi backs strict punishment in NEET-UG leak
New Delhi: Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju stated on Tuesday that during the NDA’s ‘Mangal Milan’ event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi remarked that immediate action was taken as soon as reports of the NEET-UG paper leak emerged, and emphasized that the guilty must face the strictest possible punishment.
He noted that PM Modi highlighted the achievements of India’s youth, stating, “Our time, energy, and focus should be on the youth and their future.” Speaking to reporters about the discussions held during the NDA meeting, Rijiju said, “Today, the NDA Parliamentary Party held a ‘Mangal Milan’ meeting. Everyone participated, and the Prime Minister addressed and guided the members. First, during the ‘Mangal Milan,’ we welcomed the newly elected Rajya Sabha members and extended our best wishes for their parliamentary responsibilities. Nitin Navin also attended the meeting for the first time as a Rajya Sabha member and a Bharatiya Janata Party office-bearer.”
According to sources, the event also saw the welcoming of six Rajya Sabha members who had previously resigned from the AAP to join the BJP.
Regarding the NEET examination, Rijiju mentioned that the Prime Minister stated the government took immediate action as soon as news of the paper leak surfaced.
He said, “Thirteen individuals were arrested and sent to jail. Furthermore, to ensure the students’ future was not compromised, conducting a re-examination for NEET was prioritized; it was successfully held, and results were declared without delay. Those identified and arrested for involvement in the paper leak racket have been jailed. The Prime Minister also appealed for top lawyers to support efforts to secure the strictest punishment for those involved in serious crimes like paper leaks, so that stringent measures can be implemented to prevent such incidents in the future.”
“The Prime Minister stated that the issue of paper leaks is not limited to any single state or the central government but is a matter of concern for the entire nation. All states and political parties must unite to take action against this crime.” He said, “This is not a matter of party politics; rather, it is an issue concerning the future of the country and its youth.”
Rijiju stated that Prime Minister Modi emphasized that “India’s youth will not only be given full assurance that paper leaks will be prevented in the future, but they will also be shown pathways that enable them to play a leadership role globally.”
He added that the Prime Minister also praised Skyroot Aerospace for the successful launch of Vikram-1. Rijiju further remarked, “India’s youth are achieving tremendous success across various sectors. Therefore, we will dedicate our time, energy, and focus to the youth and their future.”
The Union Minister described the meeting as “productive” and noted that the Prime Minister spoke about India’s achievements over the past few months, including free trade agreements signed with several nations. He stated that these agreements are “beneficial for farmers and the country.”
Rijiju further stated that the NDA would play a “constructive role” during the ongoing monsoon session. He added that the NDA would remain united in ensuring the passage of bills and legislative business introduced by the government in Parliament.
Appealing to the opposition, the Parliamentary Affairs Minister said, “As political parties, we may have differences, but Parliament exists to work for the country, its future, and its youth. We have all been elected as Members of Parliament for this very purpose, and everyone must work together to ensure the smooth functioning of the House.”
