Sri Vijaya Puram, July 20: The Andaman and Nicobar Territorial Congress Committee (ANTCC) on Monday joined the nationwide “Shiksha Nyay Yatra – Chhatra Ki Goonj” campaign, raising concerns over repeated examination paper leaks and calling for reforms to ensure a transparent and accountable education system.
The programme was organised as part of the nationwide campaign launched by Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi to highlight issues affecting students and draw attention to alleged irregularities in competitive examinations across the country.
Addressing the programme, Tamil Selvam and Andaman and Nicobar Pradesh Congress Committee President Ranglal Halder alleged that repeated paper leaks in major examinations, including NEET, UPSC and several recruitment examinations, have jeopardised the future of millions of students.
The Congress leaders said repeated examination irregularities have undermined the efforts of students and their families, who invest years of preparation and substantial financial resources in competitive examinations. They alleged that examination paper leaks and the activities of examination mafias have disrupted the aspirations of students and caused widespread anxiety.
They further stated that the increasing cost of education, rising examination fees and unemployment have compounded the challenges faced by students seeking higher education and employment opportunities.
Calling for reforms, Tamil Selvam and Ranglal Halder demanded that the Central Government fix accountability for repeated paper leak incidents, strengthen transparency in the examination system and initiate strict action against those found responsible for such irregularities.
The Congress leaders also reiterated the party’s demand for the establishment of a Central University in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. They expressed concern that increasing semester fees could place higher education beyond the reach of students from economically weaker sections, limiting access to educational opportunities.
According to the leaders, the “Shiksha Nyay Yatra – Chhatra Ki Goonj” campaign has already been conducted in Kota, Prayagraj, Patna and Delhi. They said similar programmes would continue across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to mobilise students and highlight issues concerning education reforms.
Concluding the programme, the Congress leaders appealed to students, parents and members of the public to support the campaign, stating that a transparent, fair and accountable education system is essential for safeguarding the future of the country’s youth.
