NEW DELHI: Union home minister Amit Shah on Thursday said the welfare and future of the country’s youth remain the Modi government’s “highest priority and resolve”. Shah endorsed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to set up fast-track courts for speedy trials in examination paper leak cases.The announcement comes amid continuing protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which has demanded the resignation of education minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET paper leak controversy.In a post on X, Shah said, “The welfare of the youth and their bright future is both the highest priority and the resolve of the Modi government. The decision to expedite hearings and take stringent action against the guilty in paper leak cases through the establishment of fast-track courts by the Prime Minister is a reflection of this very commitment.”Calling the move a landmark step, Shah said it would be a “milestone” in cracking down on those who “toy with the future of the youth due to paper leaks”.Shah’s remarks came hours after PM Modi announced the government’s decision to establish fast-track courts to deal with examination paper leak cases, marking his first public response after days of protests by students demanding accountability over recurring leaks. In a post on X, the PM said, “Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth!”He added that the concerned authorities and officials had been directed to take all necessary steps in this regard, saying the move was part of the government’s continuing efforts to safeguard the interests of students.Meanwhile, demonstrations intensified in New Delhi on Wednesday night, where protesters briefly clashed with police as security personnel used tear gas and batons to disperse the crowd. The issue has also disrupted proceedings in Parliament, with Opposition parties demanding the resignation of the Pradhan and raising the matter repeatedly during the Monsoon Session.Bharatiya Janata Party leader Nitin Nabin also reiterated the government’s position, saying it remained committed to protecting students’ interests.Meanwhile, protests continued in the national capital along with several parts of teh country, with student groups demanding systemic reforms and greater accountability over competitive examination leaks.
