Congress MP Asks How Action Was Taken Against 47 Officials When NTA Has Only 34 Sanctioned Posts; Criticises Exam Reforms and Govt’s Response

New Delhi: Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi launched a sharp attack on the Centre during a discussion in Parliament on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, raising questions over the government’s handling of the NEET paper leak controversy and the functioning of the National Testing Agency (NTA).

Gogoi questioned the government’s claim that action had been taken against 47 NTA officials, asking how this was possible when, according to him, the agency has only 34 sanctioned posts, with several of them lying vacant. He demanded that the government identify the officials against whom action was taken and explain the discrepancy.

The Congress leader argued that despite the enactment of the anti-paper leak law in 2024, examination leaks allegedly continued in2026, calling the legislation ineffective. He claimed the amendment bill was merely an attempt to create the impression that the government was taking the issue seriously rather than introducing meaningful reforms.

Referring to media reports, Gogoi alleged that 44 of the 46 accused chargesheeted in the 2024 NEET paper leak case had secured bail, while the alleged mastermind and several other accused were also out on bail. He questioned whether the government’s actions had delivered justice to affected students.

He also criticised the continuation of the NTA Chairman while the Director General was replaced, asking why the Chairman continued to enjoy the government’s confidence despite repeated controversies surrounding the agency.During his speech, Gogoi referred to the resignation of former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, alleging that the former minister had earlier denied any paper leak despite subsequent developments.

He also criticised the welcome accorded to Pradhan after his resignation, saying it appeared as though he had returned after a major victory.The Congress MP further claimed that several students had died by suicide amid the examination controversy and alleged that ordinary families could not afford to purchase expensive seats in educational institutions, leaving many students frustrated and hopeless.

Gogoi also referred to the recent student protests over examination issues, claiming the movement demonstrated that people had overcome fear and were prepared to raise their voices. He thanked citizens who, according to him, sent food to protesters through online delivery platforms and appreciated lawyers who provided legal assistance to demonstrators.

During the debate, he also raised concerns over the recent floods in Assam, sought a special financial package for the state, and alleged that the government’s disaster response remained inadequate.

Additionally, Gogoi levelled several allegations regarding police action during student protests, including claims of excessive force and the use of weapons during demonstrations. These allegations were made during his parliamentary speech.

The debate witnessed intense exchanges as the ruling and opposition benches clashed over examination reforms, accountability, and the government’s response to the recurring issue of paper leaks.

The government is yet to issue a detailed response to several of the specific allegations raised by the Congress MP during the discussion.