NEW DELHI: BJP MP Nishikant Dubey on Thursday appealed to students protesting over the NEET paper leak at Jantar Mantar to return to their studies, saying education, not agitation, was the path to achieving careers in medicine, engineering and the civil services. He also called for a stringent law against paper leaks, suggesting that Parliament could even provide for the death penalty for those responsible.Addressing protesting students in Delhi, Dubey said, “Jantar Mantar is not the place for you. If you want to get into medical colleges, engineering colleges, or become an IAS or IPS officer, you have to go to the path of education and focus on your studies. In 1975, there was a students’ movement, and among the students who participated in that agitation, many could not become doctors or engineers for two years. The situation became such that they did become leaders – some became Chief Ministers and others achieved political positions- but the dream their parents had, of seeing them become doctors or professionals, could not be fulfilled because they left their studies…” In a post on X, Dubey also urged students to prioritise academics over protests, writing, “Students should study. This movement will not let you complete your education.” Backing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for strict action against those involved in paper leaks, the BJP MP said the government was committed to ensuring the harshest punishment for the accused.”The PM clearly said that top lawyers will be hired against the 13 arrested people, and they should be given the harshest punishment…all parents want to send their children to top institutions believing they excel in studies, but some children want to use paper leaks as an excuse trying to convince their parents that they are very good at studies but cannot compete solely because the paper gets leaked…if anyone wants to go to a medical or engineering college, or become an IAS or IPS officer, you must go through the door of education…” Dubey also urged opposition parties to allow a discussion in Parliament on the issue, saying a tougher legal framework was needed to tackle examination fraud.”If the Opposition will allow a discussion in the House, just as the strong law that came for women after the Nirbhaya murder case, similarly, we can provide for a strong punishment provision in the case of paper leaks. Rahul Gandhi is not concerned for the students.” In another post on X, Dubey suggested that Parliament could enact a law prescribing the death penalty for those found guilty of leaking examination papers.”If Parliament convenes, a law can be enacted to ensure that those who leak exam papers receive punishment up to the death penalty.”
