Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday, July 22, reiterated the Centre’s readiness to hold a detailed discussion in Parliament on the NEET-UG paper leak and urged opposition parties to help finalise the agenda to prevent further disruptions in both Houses.
Rijiju said the government had expressed its willingness to discuss the issue from the beginning of the session and maintained that the debate should be substantive rather than symbolic, given its impact on students across the country.
He said the Centre was prepared to discuss the paper leak and all related matters, but the debate should be conducted under an agreed parliamentary rule. He added that the discussion should also provide the government an opportunity to explain the measures taken in response to the controversy.
Rijiju said that without a discussion, the public would not be aware of the action taken by the government. He added that the Centre had once again formally urged that the debate be held without further delay.
Earlier in the day, Rijiju informed the Lok Sabha that the government remained ready to discuss the NEET-UG paper leak. He said the timing, duration and procedural framework of the debate should be finalised after consultations with floor leaders of all political parties.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla also said the government was willing to hold a discussion on the issue and invited opposition parties to work together to finalise the agenda.
Despite the government’s offer, proceedings in the Lok Sabha were disrupted by opposition protests, following which the House was adjourned until 2 pm.
