DELHI-NCR: The political atmosphere in the country has heated up once again over the recurring incidents of question paper leaks in competitive examinations. Launching a major agitation against the central government regarding this issue, the Congress organized candle marches across 258 blocks of the state. Party leaders and workers, holding candles, expressed solidarity with students and demanded reforms in the examination system. During the protests, the Congress also demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The Congress asserts that the repeated paper leaks in the country have jeopardized the future of crores of young people. Lakhs of students toil for years, yet incidents of question papers leaking before or during exams are causing them to lose faith in the system. The party alleged that the government has failed to safeguard the future of the youth.
Simultaneous Candle Marches Across 258 Blocks
Leveraging its organizational structure, the Congress demonstrated its political strength by holding simultaneous candle marches in all 258 blocks of the state. Thousands of party workers participated in the agitation at district headquarters, tehsils, and block levels.
During the candle marches, the youth raised slogans such as “Stop paper leaks,” “Give justice to the youth,” “End corruption,” and “Stop playing with our future.” Student organizations also participated in the Congress program at several locations.
Party leaders emphasized that this was not merely a political movement but a fight for the future of the youth.
Congress Levels Serious Allegations Against the Government
Congress leaders alleged that question papers for several crucial competitive examinations have been leaked over the past few years, affecting lakhs of candidates.
The party points out that:
Recruitment examinations are not being completed on time.
Many examinations have to be cancelled.
Students are forced to prepare repeatedly.
The financial burden on youth from poor families is increasing.
Young people are losing faith in the government recruitment process.
The Congress stated that had the government taken strict action in time, such incidents would not have recurred. Demand for Dharmendra Pradhan’s Resignation
During the protest, Congress leaders demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, stating that the Ministry bears accountability for the education system.
Party leaders asserted that moral responsibility must be fixed given the repeated allegations of irregularities in national-level examinations.
Congress maintains that:
Exam security arrangements are inadequate.
There has been a failure to prevent paper leaks.
Action against the guilty is not taken in a timely manner.
Students receive nothing but assurances.
On these grounds, the party reiterated its demand for the Education Minister to resign on moral grounds.
Threat to the Future of the Youth
Congress leaders noted that many students spend between two to five years preparing for a single competitive examination.
Many aspirants:
Spend lakhs of rupees at coaching institutes.
Prepare while living away from their families.
Quit their jobs to focus on exam preparation.
Endure financial and mental stress.
In such a scenario, if an exam is cancelled or a paper is leaked, it is the hardworking students who suffer the greatest loss.
Growing Outrage Among Students
In recent years, students have staged numerous protests across various states against paper leaks.
The students’ key demands include:
A transparent examination system.
Time-bound recruitment.
Strong laws to prevent paper leaks.
Strict punishment for the guilty.
Better monitoring of examination centers.
Congress stated that it has taken to the streets to champion these very demands of the students.
Message of the Candle March
According to Congress leaders, the candle march is not merely a symbol of protest but a message of support for the future of the youth.
The objective of the candle-lit protest was to convey that:
The dreams of the youth will not be allowed to be extinguished.
Reforms in the examination system are essential.
The education system must be kept free from political influence.
Transparency must be the top priority.
Large Turnout of Students Across Districts
A large number of students participated in the Congress-organized events at various locations.
The students stated:
“We simply want fair examinations.” “Students who work hard deserve justice.”
“Strict action must be taken against those responsible for paper leaks.”
Many students stated that the cancellation of the exam results in the loss of a year.
Congress outlines its demands
During the protest, the Congress party presented several key demands to the government:
An impartial investigation into paper leak cases.
Strict action against the guilty.
Digitization of the examination system.
Modern security measures for question papers.
A time-bound recruitment process.
Accountability for exam-conducting agencies.
Relief for affected students.
A transparent selection process.
Need for reform in the examination system
Education experts also acknowledge that the recurring incidents of paper leaks are casting doubt on the integrity of the examination system.
Experts suggest that:
The use of digital encryption should be increased.
The question paper distribution process should be made secure.
Monitoring of examination centers should be strengthened.
Priority should be given to cybersecurity.
Recruitment agencies should undergo regular audits.
A united attack by the opposition
