Ensuring punishment for 'cheating mafia': Rajasthan Minister Jogaram Patel hails PM Modi's fast-track courts announcement for paper leaks
Jaipur, July 24
Rajasthan Minister Jogaram Patel on Friday welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement on setting up fast-track courts to deal with paper leak cases, saying the move sends a strong message against the "cheating mafia" and will help ensure justice for students.
Speaking to ANI, Patel said the initiative reflects the Centre's commitment to taking stringent action against those involved in examination malpractices and protecting the interests of students.
Referring to the Prime Minister's announcement, Patel said, "The PM has taken the initiative to ensure punishment for the 'cheating mafia' - those who resort to malpractice and unfair means and has ordered the establishment of fast-track courts. Requests have been made to the relevant governments and High Courts to set up fast-track courts in four additional locations, similar to the one established in Delhi."
He further said the decision would act as a deterrent against those involved in paper leak rackets and welcomed the Centre's efforts to address students' concerns.
Patel said, "This signifies a strong message from the PM to deter the cheating mafia whose actions cause, or threaten to cause, injustice to students, a move we wholeheartedly welcome. Satisfied with the government's assurances, Sonam Wangchuk ended his protest last night; in a tweet, he expressed a desire for peace, a sentiment that resonates as a positive message for everyone. I am confident that the students' agitation will likely conclude today as well."
The remarks came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that "more strict" action would be taken against those involved in paper leaks and announced that the Union Cabinet would consider a draft Bill proposing fast-track courts and stringent punishment for offenders.
In a self-recorded video shared on X, Modi said, "I have issued directions to departments to set up Fast-Track Courts."
He also said, "Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth! Those who try to harm the future of our youth will not be spared."
Meanwhile, Congress president and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge joined Opposition MPs in their protest demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
PM Modi's announcement comes a few days after a massive protest organised by youth groups and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) saw police using tear gas and lathi-charge to stop marchers from reaching Parliament on July 20. The Supreme Court has also agreed to hear a plea on July 27 alleging excessive police action against students who participated in protests at Jantar Mantar and other places.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good move by PM Modi but I hope these fast-track courts actually deliver justice quickly. In India, fast-track often becomes slow-track due to bureaucracy. Also, why only four additional locations? We need this across the country, especially in states like Bihar and UP where paper leaks are rampant.
I'm from the US but living in Bangalore for work. This is a serious issue in India. Back home, exam security is taken very seriously. Glad to see the government finally cracking down. Hope it's not just talk and actual action follows. Students deserve a fair chance.
😡 It's good that action is being taken, but why did it take so long? Students have been protesting for months. Also, what about the existing cases? Will they be fast-tracked too? And where's the accountability for the ones who leaked papers in the first place?
I'm an NRI from Australia but I follow Indian news closely. This is a positive step. The cheating mafia has been exploiting the system for too long. But I wonder if the government should also focus on digitizing exams more securely, like using biometric verification. That would prevent many leaks at source.
Bas kar dijiye ab! (Enough now!). Every time there's a protest, the government announces something. Where were these fast-track courts when thousands of students were crying at Jantar Mantar? And why is PM Modi linking this with Sonam Wangchuk? That's a different issue entirely. Students need action, not photo ops.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.