Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today called for setting up a foolproof public examination system in the country, a day after supporters of the youth-led “cockroach” movement clashed with police as they marched on parliament to protest against question paper leaks.
Reuters said that the comments by Modi, reported by a cabinet minister, were his first on the subject since the compromising of question papers for a national entrance test to medical school in May, the anger over which has become the biggest challenge for the prime minister in his third term.
Reuters said that thousands of youngsters marched on parliament yesterday demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the leaks that affected more than 2 million students and led to some committing suicide.
Delhi Police said nearly 180 people, including 118 security and police personnel and 60 protesters, were hurt on Monda when they clashed in central Delhi.
The founder of the self-named Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) said more than 150 protesters were undergoing treatment in hospital.
Modi told lawmakers of his ruling alliance that the government took immediate action on receiving reports of exam irregularities and 13 persons were arrested and jailed, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said.
Modi also said a re-examination was successfully done and there was no delay in declaring their results, Rijiju added.
“The prime minister said…that to ensure the future of youth is not jeopardised…everyone should unite to ensure strict steps are taken, those guilty punished, and a foolproof system is created,” Rijiju said.
Modi’s comments came as the CJP movement said it would continue its anti-government protest but will not march on parliament as it feared its supporters would be beaten by police again.
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