'More strict actions': PM Modi vows tougher measures against paper leaks in Friday's Cabinet meet

In a post on X, PM Modi said that the government has already taken several strict measures since the leaks came to light.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Thursday that more stringent actions against paper leaks will be introduced in Friday’s Cabinet meeting. The move comes as the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) continues protests in New Delhi against the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak that affected over 22 lakh students.

In a post on X on Thursday night, PM Modi said the government has already taken several strict steps after the paper leak came to light. He said many people involved in the case have been arrested and sent to jail.

He added that the government quickly conducted a re-exam for 22 lakh students and announced the results recently. He also said a bill proposing fast-track courts and stricter punishments for those involved in paper leaks is likely to be introduced in Parliament soon.

"Since the paper leak incident, many big steps have been taken in the last two and a half months. The culprits have been caught. They are in jail. Our most important responsibility was that a year of the students should not be wasted. It was very necessary to hold the exams immediately," PM Modi said.

"The government, using its full strength, arranged for the exams of as many as 22 lakh students to be conducted in the shortest possible time. And just five-six days ago, on the 19th, the results also came out, and news of the happiness of students who passed is coming in from across the country."

He added, "But we are not among those who settle for that, and therefore I gave instructions to the departments today for a fast track court. Today, the departments worked continuously and gave me a draft late at night as well. This draft, with provisions for fast track courts and strict punishment, will be discussed in the cabinet tomorrow. After suggestions from cabinet colleagues, it will be given its final form, and from Monday, the second week of Parliament is beginning, when efforts will be made to get that bill passed in the House as soon as possible."

What are the protesters demanding?

The CJP has demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak issue. CJP has accused the government of failing to ensure accountability after the leak affected around 22 lakh students.

CJP has called for nationwide peaceful protests on July 24 and urged people to hold demonstrations in every district. It also rejected the government's offer for talks, saying PM Modi's announcement did not address its demand for accountability.

The government renewed its offer for discussions, with Union Minister Jitendra Singh suggesting a meeting could be held at Health Minister JP Nadda's residence or office.

Nadda also invited CJP leaders for talks, but they declined the proposal, insisting that the meeting should take place at a neutral venue.

Vaishnavi Vaidyanathan leads the US Desk at Hindustan Times, where she writes, strategises coverage, and ensures quality across all beats. With eight years of experience covering US news for leading publications, she has reported extensively on politics, entertainment, and sports. Vaishnavi holds a graduate degree in English, Journalism, and Psychology, and completed her PG Diploma in Broadcast Journalism from the Manorama School of Communication, where she was awarded the prestigious Mammen Mappillai Award for Best Outgoing Student. She began her career at the International Business Times (US Edition), covering US breaking news, politics, and entertainment. She later joined Opoyi, reporting across all beats, including US sports and trending stories. Prior to Hindustan Times, she served as World Lead at Times Now News, covering comprehensive world news and events. Vaishnavi has expertise in politics, entertainment, and breaking news, and enjoys tackling stories across a wide range of topics. Beyond the newsroom, she is an avid traveller, a foodie who loves exploring new restaurants, and a pop culture enthusiast who enjoys watching latest shows and films. She also enjoys engaging in debates and discussions on Reddit.Read More