Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jul 25: Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday accused the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Congress of damaging the future of students by fostering a culture of examination irregularities, asserting that the Narendra Modi-led government has adopted a zero-tolerance approach against those involved in paper leaks and recruitment scams.
Addressing a public gathering at Madaripur Kala Ground in Fatehpur after inaugurating and laying the foundation stones for 125 development projects worth over Rs 489 crore, the Chief Minister said protecting students' interests remains a top priority for both the Centre and the Uttar Pradesh government.
Emphasising the Centre's efforts to curb examination fraud, Yogi said the government is moving to further strengthen the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024. He noted that the proposed amendments would introduce tougher legal provisions against those involved in paper leaks and other examination-related offences, including long prison terms and the confiscation of illegally acquired assets.
The Chief Minister praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking what he described as decisive measures to restore confidence in the examination system. According to him, the Union government has resolved to impose a minimum prison sentence of 10 years and fines of up to Rs 10 crore on individuals found guilty of orchestrating paper leaks and cheating in public examinations.
Referring to the controversy surrounding the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET), Yogi said the government acted swiftly against those responsible and ensured that the re-examination was conducted within a fixed timeframe so that students did not lose an academic year. He also said the examination results were declared on schedule to minimise uncertainty for candidates.
The Chief Minister alleged that examination mafias were a legacy of previous Congress and Samajwadi Party governments, claiming that such networks had flourished under their patronage. He accused the Opposition of now attempting to portray itself as a champion of students despite, according to him, having failed to protect the interests of young aspirants while in power.
Taking aim at the Samajwadi Party's tenure before 2017, Yogi alleged that recruitment processes during that period were marred by irregularities and controversies, depriving deserving candidates of employment opportunities. In contrast, he claimed that the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh has filled more than nine lakh government posts over the past nine years through transparent and merit-based recruitment.
Highlighting employment initiatives under the current government, Yogi said Indian youth today enjoy greater opportunities both within the country and internationally. He asserted that reforms such as the National Education Policy have strengthened the global standing of Indian students and professionals, while also claiming that around 12 lakh government jobs had been provided across the country within the past year.
Commenting on the law-and-order situation in Uttar Pradesh, the Chief Minister said organised crime and mafia networks no longer have a place in the state. He claimed his administration has acted firmly against criminals, land mafias and illegal encroachments, maintaining that offenders now face only two outcomes—imprisonment or strict legal action.
Concluding his address, Yogi reiterated that his government would continue pursuing stringent measures against examination malpractice and recruitment fraud. He said anyone attempting to jeopardise the future of students would face severe punishment under the strengthened legal framework, reaffirming the government's commitment to ensuring a fair and transparent examination system.