In response to the NEET paper leak and widespread student protests, the Indian government has terminated 47 officials from the National Testing Agency (NTA) and is planning to restructure the organization to enhance accountability. While there have been calls for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, government sources have indicated he will remain in his post, emphasizing a focus on systemic reforms rather than symbolic gestures. Concurrently, the Union Cabinet has approved a draft bill that proposes significantly stricter punishments for paper leaks, including minimum imprisonment of five years and hefty fines, aiming to deter organized cheating and protect genuine candidates.

In response to the NEET paper leak and widespread student protests, the Indian government has terminated 47 officials from the National Testing Agency (NTA) and is planning to restructure the organization to enhance accountability. While there have been calls for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, government sources have indicated he will remain in his post, emphasizing a focus on systemic reforms rather than symbolic gestures. Concurrently, the Union Cabinet has approved a draft bill that proposes significantly stricter punishments for paper leaks, including minimum imprisonment of five years and hefty fines, aiming to deter organized cheating and protect genuine candidates.

In response to the NEET paper leak and widespread student protests, the Indian government has terminated 47 officials from the National Testing Agency (NTA) and is planning to restructure the organization to enhance accountability. While there have been calls for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, government sources have indicated he will remain in his post, emphasizing a focus on systemic reforms rather than symbolic gestures. Concurrently, the Union Cabinet has approved a draft bill that proposes significantly stricter punishments for paper leaks, including minimum imprisonment of five years and hefty fines, aiming to deter organized cheating and protect genuine candidates.

With the Centre gearing up to clean up the system amid NEET paper leak and student protests, 47 officials from the National Testing Agency (NTA) were terminated on Friday. However, government sources said there is "no question" of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan quitting.

These 47 officials might also face legal and criminal actions as the Centre aims to restructure the testing agency. There will also be possible changes to how the NTA outsources examination-related work in order to bring in accountability and reduce chances of the exams being compromised.

This comes on top of termination of former Director General Subodh Kumar Singh. According to sources, more officials may lose their posts.

Regarding calls for Pradhan's resignation from the students and the Opposition parties, government sources said quitting would mean shirking responsiblity and hence, the minister will continue in his post. "Resigning and running away from responsibility will be the easiest thing to do. People have given us the mandate, and we will deliver," the sources said.

They added that the Centre wants to take "reformative actions" in the NTA instead of symbolic resignations like that of the education minister.

On Friday, the Union Cabinet gave nod to a draft bill ensure stricter punishments for paper leaks, including a fine of up to Rs 10 crore. The bill will amend 'The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024', proposing a minimum punishment of five years' imprisonment for individuals involved in paper leaks and/or a fine.

The present law has provisions for three to five years' imprisonment for individuals, and five to 10 years' imprisonment and a minimum fine of Rs 1 crore for those involved in the organised crime of cheating and paper leaks. The bill is aimed at preventing organised gangs and institutions that indulge in unfair means for monetary gains, while protecting the candidates from its provisions.

Sources said the amended bill is likely to come up in Parliament on Monday.

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