Expectations of a major announcement on examination reforms remained unmet after the Union Cabinet meeting on Friday, as Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw concluded the official media briefing without mentioning the government's proposed amendments to the anti-paper leak law. Although sources indicated that the Cabinet had approved changes to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, the minister refrained from addressing the issue and declined to answer questions from reporters.

Instead, Vaishnaw focused on Cabinet decisions related to railway infrastructure and the chemical sector. When journalists repeatedly sought clarification on the anti-paper leak Bill, he responded with a brief "Next," avoiding further discussion before ending the interaction.

The development comes just hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the Cabinet would deliberate on stronger legal provisions to tackle paper leaks, raising expectations of a formal announcement following the meeting.

Cabinet Clears Infrastructure and Chemical Projects

During the briefing, Vaishnaw announced that the Cabinet had approved a multi-tracking railway project covering parts of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, adding nearly 46 kilometres to the Indian Railways network.

The Cabinet also approved a ₹3,030-crore scheme aimed at strengthening India's critical chemicals sector, a move intended to enhance domestic manufacturing capabilities and reduce import dependence.

However, despite widespread anticipation, there was no official statement on examination reforms or the proposed amendments to the anti-paper leak legislation.

Anti-Paper Leak Bill Likely in Parliament Next Week

According to sources cited by news agency ANI, the Union Cabinet approved amendments to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 during the meeting chaired by Prime Minister Modi.

The amended Bill is expected to be introduced in Parliament on Monday for consideration and passage. The proposed changes are aimed at strengthening legal safeguards against organised examination fraud and accelerating action against those involved in paper leaks.

The legislation has gained urgency following the alleged NEET-UG paper leak, which triggered nationwide protests and demands for greater accountability in the conduct of public examinations.

PM Modi Promises Tougher Action

Late Thursday night, Prime Minister Modi released a video message addressing students across the country, describing paper leaks as a serious betrayal of the aspirations of millions of young people and their families.

The Prime Minister said the government had already taken action by arresting the accused and conducting a fresh examination for nearly 2.2 million candidates, with results declared on July 19.

He also announced that the government was preparing legislation providing stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks and provisions for Fast Track Courts to ensure speedy trials.

According to Modi, the draft legislation had been submitted to him shortly before the Cabinet meeting, and he expressed confidence that the government would move quickly to secure Parliament's approval.

Earlier this week, while addressing the NDA Parliamentary Party meeting, the Prime Minister described paper leaks as a "grave sin" and assured strict punishment for those responsible.

Opposition Continues to Target Government

The government's announcements have failed to satisfy the Opposition, which has continued to demand political accountability over the alleged examination irregularities.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the Prime Minister's video message, saying students were seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan rather than public assurances. He urged the government to remove the minister, punish those responsible for alleged assaults on protesting students, and apologise.

The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), which has been protesting at Delhi's Jantar Mantar over the alleged NEET paper leak, echoed similar demands. Party spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka argued that removing the Education Minister would represent the strongest possible action against those responsible for the controversy.

Activist Sonam Wangchuk also observed a 26-day hunger strike in connection with the issue, while Opposition MPs have repeatedly raised concerns inside Parliament.

Administrative Changes and Legal Action

Amid the controversy, the Centre has initiated significant administrative changes within the Education Ministry. As part of a wider bureaucratic reshuffle involving 17 senior officers, Naresh Pal Gangwar has been appointed Secretary of the Department of Higher Education, while TK Anil Kumar has been named Secretary of the Department of School Education and Literacy.

Separately, the Delhi High Court has established a dedicated Fast Track Court at Rouse Avenue Court to hear cases under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024. All cases registered under the law will now be transferred to the special court for expedited hearings.

The alleged NEET-UG paper leak is currently under investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The agency has conducted searches across multiple states, including Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Delhi, and has arrested 13 accused so far. A chargesheet is expected to be filed in the coming weeks.

With Parliament likely to take up the amended anti-paper leak legislation shortly, the government's next steps will be closely watched by students, educational institutions, and political parties alike.