Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing examination paper leak issues while urging dialogue with stakeholders, including activist Sonam Wangchuk, during a recent press conference.
NEW DELHI – On July 22, Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda announced that the Central government is open to discussions with all stakeholders regarding the ongoing examination paper leak issue. He highlighted that the government has engaged in talks with representatives from the protesting Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) and has urged activist Sonam Wangchuk to end his hunger strike and participate in the ‘mainstream dialogue process.’
During a press conference, Nadda described the meeting with CJP representatives as cordial, stating that the government listened to their concerns and requested that they submit their demands in writing.
“The discussion took place in a very cordial atmosphere. We listened to their views very calmly. I told them it would be better if they submitted their points in writing, and they have done so. We are ready for discussions whenever they ask,” he said, clarifying that no new meeting occurred on Wednesday.
Nadda also spoke about his visit to Wangchuk at Medanta Hospital, where the activist is receiving treatment after being transferred from Safdarjung Hospital. He expressed concern for Wangchuk’s health and appealed for him to end his fast.
“We went to inquire about his well-being. Since he was in the ICU, the environment was very restricted. We requested him to break his fast, join the mainstream, and guide the children in the right direction. Our government is ready to discuss all issues and address every concern,” Nadda stated, adding that Wangchuk had written him an open letter, to which the government would respond before continuing the dialogue.
Reiterating the government’s desire for a comprehensive debate on examination paper leaks, Nadda asserted that Parliament is the most suitable forum for developing a long-term policy on the matter.
He mentioned that the issue would be discussed in Parliament, stating, “We are ready for a short-duration discussion, a long-duration discussion, or even a debate lasting 12 or 18 hours if the Opposition wants.” He emphasized the importance of discussing every aspect of the issue to formulate a concrete policy, noting, “Children are the future of the country, and it is the responsibility of both the government and the Opposition to safeguard that future.”
Nadda also sought to counter the Opposition’s allegations by citing instances of paper leaks in states governed by Congress and other Opposition parties. He referenced examination irregularities in Jammu and Kashmir under the Congress-National Conference government, as well as in Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Punjab, Kerala, and Karnataka, arguing that paper leaks are not exclusive to BJP-ruled states.
“There is a long list of paper leaks under Congress and Congress-supported governments,” he remarked. “Why is Rahul Gandhi selective? Why has he not spoken about UPA and UPA-supported governments? This clearly shows that his objective is not students’ welfare or improving education but gaining political mileage from students’ issues,” he alleged.
The Union Minister accused Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi of politicizing students’ concerns instead of advocating for justice on their behalf.
Assuring that the Narendra Modi government is committed to resolving the issue, Nadda reiterated, “The government is always eager that every issue should be discussed in Parliament. The Opposition should present its views, the government will respond, and together we should work towards a lasting solution instead of politicizing the concerns of students,” he concluded.
According to IANS, Nadda’s remarks reflect the government’s ongoing efforts to address the pressing issue of examination paper leaks while fostering constructive dialogue with various stakeholders.