Shimla

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday expressed serious concern over repeated leaks of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) question papers, alleging that such incidents were endangering the future of lakhs of students across the country.

Addressing the media in Shimla, Sukhu said recurring irregularities in national-level examinations have raised significant concerns about the integrity of the examination system and called for a comprehensive investigation into the issue.

"Repeated leaks of the NEET examination paper are playing with the future of lakhs of students. The entire matter must be investigated in depth," the Chief Minister said.

Sukhu also launched a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), claiming that several major examination paper leak incidents had occurred during BJP administrations. Referring specifically to Himachal Pradesh, he said recruitment examinations conducted by the Hamirpur Staff Selection Commission and the police recruitment examination were marred by allegations of paper leaks during the tenure of former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur.

"During the previous BJP government, paper leaks occurred in the Hamirpur Staff Selection Commission examinations and the police recruitment test. The present government had to dissolve the Hamirpur Staff Selection Commission because of these irregularities," Sukhu said.

The Chief Minister asserted that his government had taken decisive action against examination-related malpractices and remained committed to ensuring transparency and fairness in recruitment and educational assessments.

Highlighting measures taken for students appearing in NEET, Sukhu said the state government had arranged free transportation through Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) buses to facilitate their travel to examination centres.

"We have ensured free transportation for students appearing in the NEET examination through HRTC buses so that they do not face any inconvenience," he said.

The Chief Minister also spoke about Himachal Pradesh's long-standing demand for its rightful share in the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB). He said the Supreme Court had recognised the state's entitlement to a 7.19 per cent share and that the government was actively pursuing the matter.

"The Supreme Court has acknowledged Himachal Pradesh's 7.19 per cent share. Our government is making continuous efforts to secure this right," Sukhu said.

He informed that discussions were currently underway with the governments of Punjab and Rajasthan, while talks with the Haryana government would be initiated soon.

"The Haryana Government should support Himachal Pradesh's legitimate claim by filing an affidavit before the court. This will help ensure that the state receives its due share," he added.

On the issue of monsoon preparedness, Sukhu said the state administration was fully geared up to handle any weather-related emergencies. He stated that district administrations and concerned departments had been directed to remain on alert and take all necessary precautions.

"Our objective is to keep damage to life and property to a minimum and ensure immediate relief and rehabilitation in the event of any disaster," the Chief Minister said.

With the monsoon season approaching, Himachal Pradesh often faces challenges such as landslides, flash floods and road blockages. Sukhu said the government had put in place necessary mechanisms to respond swiftly to any emergency situation and ensure public safety.

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The Chief Minister's remarks came amid ongoing debates over examination transparency, educational reforms and disaster preparedness, with the state government emphasizing accountability, student welfare and protection of Himachal Pradesh's interests in inter-state resource-sharing issues.