Isherpreet Singh Sidhu, President of the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) Punjab, addressed a press conference today to shed light on the severe hardships faced by students following the NEET scam and the recent cancellation of the UGC-NET Examination.
In his speech, Sidhu emphasized the devastating impact these events have had on the future of millions of students and the integrity of the nation’s education system. Sidhu pointed out that the NEET scam has affected a staggering 23.23 lakh students, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
He stated, "The future of an entire generation, as well as our nation, has been played with following the NEET scam. In the past five years, 47 different examinations have been leaked, making a mockery of our education system. This includes major examinations like NEET, UGC-NET, and CSIR, which are crucial for the future of many students."
More than 9 lakh students were set to take the UGC-NET examination, which has now been canceled, adding to the distress. Sidhu condemned the handling of the NEET results, which were unexpectedly released on June 4th instead of the scheduled date of June 14th, coinciding with the Lok Sabha election results. He alleged that this timing was a deliberate attempt by the BJP to conceal the scam.
"It is clear that the examination was leaked to a select few, and the credibility of the checking process is highly questionable," Sidhu remarked. Reports suggest that the NEET examination paper was sold to students in Bihar for a hefty sum of 23 lakh rupees. "Is this the integrity of our education system? Is this how our future medical generation is going to be created?" Sidhu questioned.
Additionally, discrepancies such as more than 1500 students receiving the examination paper later than the rest were highlighted. Sidhu expressed his concern over the shattered dreams of numerous families, sacrificed for the benefit of a select few.
He condemned the BJP government, stating, "They claim that Punjab’s youth either emigrates or gets involved in drugs. What options do the youth have? The agriculture sector has been ruined, and examinations for becoming doctors and teachers are becoming defunct. The youth is being pushed to extreme measures under this BJP government."
Sidhu concluded by asserting NSUI Punjab's commitment to fighting for the rights of students. "We will continue to champion for the rights of the students and will ensure that justice is served. Such atrocities cannot continue, and we will ensure the future of our students remains secure."