NEET, CBSE row: BJD questions Centre, seeks clarification from Pradhan

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led Central Government, alleging that repeated question paper leaks and examination-related irregularities in major national-level tests have put the future of lakhs of students at risk.

Addressing a press conference at the party’s state office here, Rajya Sabha MP Sulata Deo and BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty claimed that the country’s education system has suffered due to recurring disruptions in examinations such as NEET, CBSE, and CUET.

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Sulata Deo alleged that frequent examination-related controversies have subjected lakhs of students and their families to immense mental stress. She said students spend years preparing for competitive examinations, but repeated irregularities and alleged paper leaks have created uncertainty about their future.

Referring to the NEET controversy in 2024, she alleged that despite initial denials, the Centre later admitted that question paper leaks had occurred in some states.

She further claimed that recurring issues in NEET, CBSE, and CUET examinations have eroded public confidence in the examination system and raised serious concerns among students and parents.

The BJD leader said Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, being directly responsible for the education sector, should provide a clear explanation regarding the repeated examination-related controversies.

Deo also raised questions about the Vikas Foundation Trust, citing information and allegations circulating on social media. She said public doubts have emerged because the name of Pradhan’s wife, Mrs. Mridula Pradhan, has been linked to the trust.

Drawing a comparison with questions raised earlier about the Biju Naveen Inspirational Trust, she said the BJD had provided clarifications at the time and urged Dharmendra Pradhan to similarly explain the nature of his or his family’s association with the Vikas Foundation Trust.

Lenin Mohanty alleged that while the BJP came to power promising a “Viksit Bharat,” repeated controversies surrounding national examinations have severely dented public trust in the country’s education system.

He claimed that the recurring incidents point to serious lapses in examination management and questioned the Centre’s handling of the issue. Mohanty said the Union Government and the Education Ministry cannot evade responsibility when lakhs of students are affected by alleged paper leaks and examination irregularities.

Mohanty also sought clarification from Dharmendra Pradhan on certain issues relating to his daughter’s stay in the United States during her LL.M. studies. He asked the Union Minister to clarify whether any individuals associated with education-related businesses had interacted with her and whether an education technology company executive had been listed as her local guardian.

The BJD spokesperson further alleged that the terms and conditions for awarding work related to CBSE answer-sheet evaluation to an EdTech firm were modified multiple times, and demanded clarification from the Union Minister on the matter.

The party maintained that transparency and accountability are essential, particularly when issues concerning the future of students and the credibility of the country’s education system are involved.