The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) expressed approval for educational reforms and amendments to The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, aimed at addressing paper leaks. However, the party emphasized its primary demand for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation. This stance was reiterated by CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka, stating that further discussions with the government would be futile without Pradhan’s resignation.
Ahead of the third round of talks with the Centre, Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh engaged in discussions with the CJP at the Constitution Club. Despite receiving positive responses on compensation and legal matters, the CJP highlighted the lack of a concrete decision on the key demand for Pradhan’s resignation. The party’s spokesperson emphasized the need for a written agreement and questioned the purpose of ongoing meetings if Pradhan did not step down.
In response to the recent paper leak controversy, the government replaced the Education Secretary and dismissed 47 officials of the National Testing Agency (NTA). The CJP, however, deemed these actions insufficient, emphasizing that the ultimate responsibility lies with the Union Education Minister. The party stressed that Pradhan must resign due to his direct accountability for paper leaks and the tragic consequences faced by students.
The Union Cabinet approved a Draft Bill proposing harsher penalties for paper leaks in competitive exams, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to establishing fast-track courts and stricter punishments. The proposed amendments to The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, include provisions for up to 10 years’ imprisonment and a maximum fine of Rs 10 crore for organised paper leaks. These measures signify a significant enhancement over existing laws, reflecting the government’s efforts to safeguard the integrity of examinations.
