New Delhi: Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Monday listed instances of question paper leaks in various examinations since 2009, saying several such incidents occurred during the UPA government’s tenure. He made the remarks in the Lok Sabha while responding to Opposition criticism over recent leak allegations.
Parliament’s monsoon session, which began on July 20, has seen repeated disruptions, with proceedings frequently adjourned due to protests and sloganeering. Even as the House took up discussion on a bill aimed at preventing question paper leaks, interruptions continued; the Rajya Sabha was adjourned for the day amid sustained protests.
During the Lok Sabha debate, Singh cited examples including the Railway Recruitment Board exam in 2009, the All India Engineering Entrance Examination in 2011, the AIIMS Delhi entrance exam in 2012, and a Maharashtra higher secondary examination leak in 2013. He also referred to the UP BEd entrance exam in 2010, a Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission exam in 2012, and a West Bengal entrance exam in 2009.
Arguing that repeated incidents underline the need for a specific law, the minister said the Centre recruits through four agencies—UPSC, SSC, the Railway Board and the banking staff selection body. He also pointed to the National Testing Agency for higher education admissions, noting it was set up in 2017, and said earlier recommendations for a common national testing body in 1992 and again in 2010 were not acted upon.
Singh said the current government had completed work that remained pending earlier, and urged the Opposition to acknowledge it while the House considers the anti-leak legislation.
