New Delhi, August 19: Vinod Jakhar, President of the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), has voiced serious concerns regarding the cancellation of three examinations, student protests over the Jharkhand paper leak, and comments made by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju about Rahul Gandhi.
In an interview with a news agency, Jakhar labeled the National Testing Agency (NTA) as a failed institution, a sentiment echoed by students across the country. He highlighted past incidents, including a NEET paper leak that led to over 25 student suicides, yet no action was taken against the NTA.
Jakhar noted recent actions taken against several officials and staff, suggesting a significant flaw within the NTA. He questioned the government’s reluctance to ban the agency, asking, “What is the government’s attachment to the NTA?”
He further alleged that the NTA has become a hub of corruption, operating solely on political directives. He pointed out major discrepancies in the UGC NET papers for Sociology, Mathematics, and Commerce, where approximately 70% of questions were repeated from previous exams. This raises serious concerns about the NTA’s awareness of students’ futures and its management of examination content.
Jakhar mentioned that Sociology students have claimed their paper had already leaked. The NSUI is committed to fighting these issues, stating they will not cease their efforts until the NTA is banned. He also noted that opposition leader Rahul Gandhi has raised critical questions about the NTA, and the NSUI has organized protests against it.
He called for a transparent and effective examination system, advocating for a government framework to oversee examinations in the country.
Discussing the student protests in Ranchi, Jakhar acknowledged Gandhi’s ongoing support for the students. He stated that after prolonged protests, Chief Minister Hemant Soren agreed to meet all student demands. However, some older students continue to protest due to losses incurred from the cancellation of previous papers, and he urged the government to engage with them.
“We stand with the students. Strong laws against paper leaks must be established. How long will students’ futures be jeopardized?” Jakhar questioned. He criticized the labeling of protesting students as extremists when they demand their rights, asserting that students have the right to seek employment and fair examination processes.
He emphasized the need for a transparent examination system to prevent paper leaks and restore the education system that has been severely damaged. He mentioned a meeting of the Congress Working Committee (CWC) scheduled for Wednesday, where senior leaders will discuss student issues seriously.
Jakhar lamented the deterioration of educational institutions across the country, whether schools, colleges, or universities, noting that students from Generation Z and Generation Alpha are increasingly taking to the streets.
He highlighted the poor infrastructure in schools, citing instances where roofs collapse during Independence Day celebrations. Protests are frequent in Rajasthan, with issues ranging from staff shortages to electrical hazards in school walls. Many schools are in a dilapidated state, lacking teachers for effective education. Similar deficiencies have been reported in other states, including Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.
He concluded by stating that both college and university students, as well as schoolchildren, are actively protesting. Jakhar also questioned Union Minister Kiren Rijiju about the status of investigations into the Pulwama and Uri attacks.
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