Modi addresses protesting students, vows tougher action over exam paper leaks

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has issued a video message to students amid the nationwide protests over recurring exam paper leaks, pledging tougher measures to curb the malpractice and announcing that the government will take key decisions on the issue on Friday (July 24).

According to NDTV, Modi's address came as demonstrations led by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) continued at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. Earlier on Thursday, the government also announced plans to establish fast-track courts to ensure speedy trials in paper leak cases.

In his message, Modi described paper leaks as "a grave crime" that has caused immense distress to millions of students and their families. He said the government had already taken several steps over the past two and a half months to tackle the crisis.

The prime minister said authorities had arrested those involved in paper leak syndicates and sent them to jail, while also ensuring that nearly 2.2 million students were able to sit for rescheduled examinations to prevent the loss of an academic year.

Modi added that approval has already been granted for setting up fast-track courts to expedite trials in paper leak cases. The proposal will be discussed at Friday's cabinet meeting, and if approved, the government plans to introduce the necessary legislation in Parliament next week.

Meanwhile, the government reshuffled the Education Ministry late Thursday, appointing Naresh Gangwar as the new Education Secretary, replacing Vineet Joshi.

Government sources said officials are scheduled to hold talks with CJP representatives on Friday. However, protesters remain firm in their demand for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, accusing the government of failing to prevent repeated examination scandals.