Calling paper leaks a serious issue that should not be politicised, Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Wednesday said the Centre was ready for a comprehensive discussion on the NEET-UG paper leak in Parliament.
He said the Narendra Modi government was "responsible and responsive" and prepared to discuss all aspects of the issue.
"We should move beyond blame and counter-allegations and discuss this. The best medium for discussion is Parliament, and we are ready for that discussion. Let there be a thorough discussion, delving into the details through in-depth discussion. What are the factors leading to the paper leak? Who are the people involved, and how has the Central Government responded?"he asked.
"How have we addressed this issue when a paper leak has come to our attention, and how should other governments address it? What is the point we should deeply consider and find a solution to so that injustice is not done to our students, numbering in the millions?" he added.
The senior BJP leader said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleged that there have been over 150 paper leaks and it is a matter of investigation.
"The government, being a responsible government, will undoubtedly investigate and present the truth to the public and the nation," he said.
"The demand of the students, the issue they have raised regarding paper leaks. First of all, I urge that we should not politicise this issue and it is not appropriate to seek political advantage from it. This is a serious problem and requires in-depth discussion," he added.
Nadda slams Gandhi
Hitting out at Gandhi, Nadda noted that the Congress leader listed about 150 instances of paper leaks in the country but did not mention about those paper leaks that happened in the states ruled by his party and its allies.
"It's a matter of investigation and the government will place its response to every aspect of the issue before the people," he said.
Nadda cited various instances of examination paper leaks in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, West Bengal and Punjab, and asked Gandhi, "Why are you so selective. Why did you not discuss about the paper leaks that took place in the Congress and INDI alliance-governed states".
"This clearly shows your objective is not students' interest. You are interested in taking political mileage and doing politics on students' demands. This is unfortunate," he added.
The minister urged the opposition parties to come together with the government to find a "permanent solution" to the problem of paper leaks in the country.
"We believe we should move beyond the blame game and discuss this matter. The best forum for such a discussion is the House, and we are ready for it," he said.
"We should have an in-depth discussion to ensure that no injustice is done to our students. The BJP, under the leadership of PM Modi, is deeply concerned about this, as children are the future of the nation," he said.
In his press conference earlier in the day, Rahul Gandhi made several attacks on the government and demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
He alleged that Dharmendra Pradhan has "failed as an Education Minister" and "has literally destroyed India's biggest asset" and said the Congress fully supports the demand for his resignation.
Rahul Gandhi also demanded accountability for police action against protestors during their 'Sansad Chalo' march, saying those who ordered it and those who executed it should be made accountable.
"They (students) have some demands. The first demand completely legitimate demand is that Dharmendra Pradhan, who has failed as an education minister who is known to be corrupt, should be relieved of his duties. 100% legitimate demand. Nothing wrong with it. He has shown India and the world that he is incapable of running this system. Exam leaks are happening one after the other," the Congress leader said.
"The second demand is that very single person who raised a finger on our students and it doesn't matter who is the people who ordered it and the people who executed it should be made accountable. Third thing is that the man who is running this entire system, the man who is finally accountable to all this, should have the decency to apologise to the students for what has happened," he added.
'Students' demands should not be politicised'
"This is a serious issue that requires in-depth discussion. The opposition should not change goal post. We should not indulge in allegations and counter allegation. We must think how to solve this problem and come out with a solid policy," Nadda highlighted.
Asked about the progress in the government’s talks with the CJP representatives, Nadda said, “We had talks in a very conducive atmosphere. We gave a patient hearing to them. They gave (their demands) in writing when we asked. We have also responded to them.”
“And I have told them that we are ready for (further) talks whenever they want,” he added.
'We will reply to Wangchuk'
On activist Sonam Wangchuk proposing to end his indefinite hunger strike if the Centre gives an unequivocal assurance to his demands, including no punitive or retaliatory action against students and youth who participated in the protest against alleged examination irregularities, he said, "We will respond to his open letter."
Nadda said that he along with Union minister Jitendra Singh met Wangchuk at the Medanta Hospital last night and enquired about his well-being.
“We also urged Wangchuk to end his hunger strike and take the youngsters in the right direction. The government is open to discuss all issues, and it will always address them. He said, 'Ok, I will respond'," the minister said.
On Wangchuk’s letter to the government, Nadda said, “We will give a reply”.
When asked if there is any discussion in the government on the demand for Education Minister Pradhan’s resignation, Nadda said, “No, it doesn’t happen like this. We are ready for discussion. That will happen in Parliament. They will present their views and the government will respond.”
(With inputs from ANI, PTI)