Government in action mode amid CJP movement: Education Ministry dismissed 47 officers of NTA

New Delhi, 24 July. The central government has come into action mode amid the ongoing widespread agitation under the banner of Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) regarding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and other demands in the NEET paper leak case. In this series, the Education Ministry has dismissed 47 officers associated with the National Testing Agency (NTA) on Friday evening. Ministry sources gave this information.

Preparation for legal and criminal action against some officers

According to the information received, NTA has taken this big step towards major improvements in the education system and examinations etc. Ministry sources also say that NTA has not only terminated 47 officers but is also preparing to take legal and criminal action against some officers.

Sources in the Education Ministry say that the dismissal of 47 NTA officials is part of a larger campaign launched for major reforms and accountability in the agency. The ministry says that in the coming days many more important steps related to reform of the agency will be taken. It is noteworthy that in recent times, NTA has been in constant controversies regarding allegations of paper leaks and examination related irregularities.

Modi cabinet approves bill providing for strict punishment on paper leaks

It is noteworthy that in line with the video message of Prime Minister Narendra Modi late on Thursday night, today the Union Cabinet approved a draft bill to ensure provision of stringent punishment for paper leaks. This bill can be presented in Parliament on Monday. The proposed law deals with measures to prevent paper leaks in public examinations, including those related to the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET).

Nadda and Jintendra Singh held a meeting with CJP representatives

Meanwhile, Union Health Minister JP Nadda and Minister of State in PMO Jitendra Singh held a meeting with two national spokespersons of CJP – Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka at Vithalbhai Patel House. During the meeting, held in an effort to find a peaceful solution to the demands related to examination irregularities, the CJP submitted its demands in writing through a five-paragraph memorandum.

Center’s in-principle approval on CJP’s two demands

“During the meeting, the government has given in-principle approval to two demands – compensation (for the families of students preparing for NEET who committed suicide) and withdrawal of FIRs and legal cases against students.” However, on the main demand of CJP in the form of resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the government has asked for time till Saturday afternoon.