'7.5 crore students affected in 10 years': Rahul Gandhi calls paper leaks the 'norm'

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi addressed a student outreach programme in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, on Friday, accusing the education system of allowing paper leaks to become "the norm." During the "Chhatron Ki Goonj" event, he claimed that over 7.5 crore students have been affected by such incidents in the last decade, despite reports of only 152 cases. No convictions have been recorded in these instances, according to Gandhi, who alleged that the entire education system, from top to bottom, is implicated in the practice. He attributed the prevalence of paper leaks to the use of "advanced technology" and suggested that those with financial means could exploit the system through a sort of "menu card" approach. Gandhi emphasized that the issue transcends individual malfeasance and reflects systemic failure. He argued that the current examination system is outdated, rooted in 19th-century practices, and requires a complete overhaul to align with modern standards. His remarks came as part of his broader call for reform, urging a shift toward a student-centric model. This would involve creating secure question banks and randomizing test content to prevent unauthorized access. Such changes, he insisted, would ensure fairness and reduce opportunities for cheating. In addition to structural reforms, Gandhi advocated for direct support for students impacted by leaked exams. He proposed immediate re-examinations for those affected and compensation for losses incurred due to compromised assessments. These measures, he argued, were essential to restore trust in the academic process and provide justice to those harmed by fraudulent activities. On the governance of educational institutions, Gandhi expressed concern over the influence of political entities. He stated that no political party or organization should have exclusive control over campuses, and that vice-chancellors should not be selected solely from a single group. This, he believed, would help maintain impartiality and prevent institutional bias. He further contended that the current system disproportionately advantages a small minority, enabling them to manipulate the system while disadvantaging the majority of honest, often poorer students. Gandhi’s comments reflect growing public frustration with the integrity of examinations and the perceived lack of accountability within the education sector. While he did not directly accuse specific individuals or groups, his broad allegations suggest a deepening sense of disillusionment among educators and students alike. The issue of paper leaks has long been a point of contention, with many arguing that the legal and administrative frameworks designed to combat such practices remain inadequate. The demand for political consensus to address the problem underscores the complexity of the challenge. Gandhi stressed that resolving the issue would require collaboration across all political parties, emphasizing that the stakes extend beyond partisan interests. For him, the fight against paper leaks is not just about preventing fraud, it is about safeguarding the future of millions of students and ensuring that the education system serves all citizens equitably. As he put it, the current system benefits a small percentage while harming the vast majority, highlighting the urgent need for change.