Sirsa MP, former Union Minister, Congress National General Secretary and Congress Working Committee (CWC) member Kumari Selja said the Centre’s announcement of fast-track courts for examination-related cases would be meaningful only if the government first fixed accountability for alleged irregularities in the country’s examination system.  She maintained that if the government was genuinely committed to transparency and justice for students, the Education Minister should accept moral responsibility and resign.

Reacting to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement regarding fast-track courts, Selja said that merely creating a judicial mechanism would not restore public confidence unless those responsible for examination irregularities were identified and punished without delay.

Selja made the remarks while participating in a peaceful programme at Gandhi Smriti, led by Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, where Congress MPs gathered in solidarity with students affected by the alleged NEET paper leak controversy. She said the event was organised to pay tribute to students who allegedly lost their lives following the stress caused by examination-related irregularities and to demand justice for lakhs of aspirants.

She said the Congress had consistently raised students’ concerns through democratic and peaceful means, including inside Parliament, outside the Prime Minister’s residence and at Gandhi Smriti, following Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of truth and non-violence.

According to Selja, the government has repeatedly attempted to suppress the Opposition’s voice instead of addressing the concerns of students. She alleged that while the BJP government acts swiftly in political matters, it has failed to demonstrate the same urgency when the future of millions of students and the credibility of the country’s education system are at stake.

“The government is now talking about fast-track courts, but before making such announcements it must ensure swift action against those responsible for examination irregularities and fix accountability at every level,” she said.

Selja further alleged that peaceful student protesters were subjected to police action, including lathi-charge, and that criminal cases were registered against them. She described such actions as contrary to democratic values and urged the government to engage with students instead of attempting to silence them.

Reiterating the Congress party’s position, she said a transparent investigation, strict legal action against those found guilty and institutional accountability were essential to restoring faith in the examination system.

She asserted that the Education Minister’s resignation would be the first meaningful step towards establishing moral accountability and rebuilding public confidence. Selja added that the Congress would continue its struggle for justice for students, a fair examination system and the protection of democratic rights.

“Students Need Justice, Not Lathis“: Kumari Selja

 POD/DESK