President Droupadi Murmu, during her address to the joint session of Parliament today, mentioned reported irregularities in the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test-Undergraduate (NEET UG-2024) and also discussed the Emergency imposed by the previous Congress government.
In her inaugural address to the 18th Lok Sabha, the President emphasized that her administration is focused on fostering an environment where the youth of the nation can aspire to ambitious dreams and realize them.
According to the President, the ongoing investigation by the CBI into the NEET paper leak case will “fix accountability”.
The President said, “If due to any reason, there is obstruction in examinations it is not appropriate. Sanctity and transparency are a must in government recruitments and examinations.”
She added, “The government is committed to conducting a fair investigation and ensuring the most stringent punishment to those guilty in the recent incidents of paper leak.”
Previously, there have been instances of paper leaks in certain states, noted the president, emphasizing the importance of transcending political divisions and implementing robust measures on a national scale. The president highlighted that Parliament has enacted stringent legislation to address paper leaks and mentioned ongoing governmental efforts to reform the examination system.
President Murmu described the Emergency imposed by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi from 1975 to 1977 as the most significant and ominous period, characterized by a direct assault on the Constitution.
Just before the President’s speech, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla greeted her at the Parliament building, accompanied by an official carrying the ‘Sengol’, recognized as a cultural emblem by the government.