Deploy ED, CBI, NIA in future exams too, JMM mocks Centre

Surendra Soren

Ranchi

The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) on Monday launched a sharp attack on the Centre over the conduct of NEET examinations, demanding the involvement of central investigative agencies such as the ED, CBI, and NIA to ensure transparency.

Addressing a press conference in Ranchi, party spokesperson Supriyo Bhattacharya said it was unprecedented that the armed forces were deployed for the transportation of examination question papers. “This has never happened in any country. If any irregularity is reported in examinations like NEET, it will tarnish the image of the armed forces. The Centre has put the reputation of the military at stake,” he said.

While expressing gratitude to the Indian Air Force for its role in facilitating the examination process, Bhattacharya criticized the Union government, stating that the responsibility for such arrangements should not have fallen on the armed forces.

He also took aim at the Union Ministry of Human Resource Development and the National Testing Agency (NTA), alleging their inability to conduct examinations smoothly. “If the NTA cannot conduct even a single examination without controversy, it raises serious questions about the functioning of the ministry,” he said.

In a sarcastic remark, the JMM leader suggested that agencies like the NIA be deployed for CLAT, the ED for UPSC examinations, and the CBI for engineering entrance tests to ensure fairness.

Bhattacharya further alleged that the government’s policies were weakening the education system, claiming that reduced budget allocations and the growing dominance of private institutions were compromising the quality and accessibility of education. “Education is gradually being handed over to corporates,” he said.

Raising concerns over student welfare, he claimed that at least 17 NEET aspirants had died by suicide in the past two months, while around 2.2 million students had appeared for the examination. He criticized the Union Education Minister for not resigning despite the prevailing situation, alleging that the minister’s residence in Delhi had been turned into a heavily secured zone.