WHAT TO FOLLOW – AUSTERITY OR LEAKAGE IN NEET, 2026 ?

Two significant recent developments have not only conveyed a word of caution but sent shock waves also throughout.

Prime Minister has made an austerity push at last and invoked Covid period protocols or habits. Its different thing that soon he preferred to proceed on visits to five nations which cost immensely to the exchequer.

To be more specific, he urged all countrymen to hold On Line classes, Work from Home and cut down on buying gold, use of P.O.L, travel abroad and cooking oil consumption.

It is learnt that gold import bill has doubled in the last two years and current account deficits are also worsening. Also Gold and Silver import duty has been raised to 15% to secure more foreign exchange.

This may be the first of a series of measures to bring stability to the capital account and prevent the Rupee from further depreciation. Despite all this, Rupee had fallen to a record low of Rs 96.14 against one U.S. Dollar(17 May). Currencies of much smaller economies- Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, however, donot fall like this.

It has been felt that we should go for austerity and sacrifice when it is badly needed in the larger interest of nation. But will these measures meant for commoners apply equally to politicians and officials, ask some public minded individuals ? If applied, bereft of any favour, it may reduce not end V.I.P. culture and drastically cut official expenditure. Sadly, no journalist, activist, NGO, critic, member of Judiciary or politician appears concerned.

Is POL Stock Sufficient ?

Looking at current stock of POL, it is doubtful if it is satisfactory as not only we have been severely impacted by Middle East war but more uncertainties would surface in the coming weeks due to toughening of stand between U.S.A. and Iran on the one hand and lack of unanimity on keeping the Strait of Hormuz open.

Also no agreement was signed during the three day ‘picnic tour’ to China by Donald Trump and his delegation.No wonder, Trump, stung by Iran war and desperate for a win, has resumed his focus on Iran. Israel too has intensified its attacks on Hezbullah and Lebanon.

Coming to imports of crude oil, according to a source, India has bought Rs 1.32 lakh crores worth of it from forty different countries recently, reportedly refined the same and sold oil worth Rs.52,826 crores to over one hundred countries. Allegedly, some ‘close’ businessmen have benefited.

After all this, a little rise of Rs 3 per litre has been announced both in respect of Petrol and Diesel. The price hike, however, is going to cover only a part of losses incurred by public sector companies. H.S. Puri, the Petroleum Minister has stated that Government will have “to take a view” at some point on how long public sector marketing companies (OMC’s) continue to suffer losses by selling major fuels below market price and how long they can suffer losses ?

While the Minister has given an assurance regarding ‘adequate’ stocks of Petrol, Diesel and cooking gas, global energy crisis due to gigantic issues in the Middle East was leading to significant financial strain for the OMC’s with combined losses of the three refiners cum fuel retailers was projected at Rs One Lakh Crore in April-June Quarter at current price levels. Such a loss may wipe out the entire profit after tax of last year. Country has 60 days of stocks of POL and 45 days of LPG stocks only at present.

Anxiety Situation Even If Government Thinks Otherwise ?

One should not forget that when prices of commercial LPG cylinders were raised seven weeks ago, it had led to closure of many small and medium eating joints and raised the rates of almost all eatables ( B.F., Lunch & Dinner items) in the functional ones.Once prices go up, these never come down, much to the woes of consumers.

In addition, LPG price rise has affected the P.G.’s and private hostels also in ways, more than one. Needless to say, unjustifiable rumour mongering picks up a certain momentum in these situations which aggravates the crisis.

Covid period protocols have been suggested to all “Pyarey Deshwasiyon” with no signs of an immediate end to conflict in West Asia. It is never too late Pradhan Mantri Jee. But who will ensure compliance and whether there will be compliance per se, that remains to be seen.

FOURTH LEAKAGE OF NEET QUESTION PAPERS

Another development bound to adversely affect young generation, has been discovery of leakage of Question papers of NEET-UG for the fourth time since 2017. Earlier leakages were in 2017, 2021 and 2024.

In view of latest leak, NEET of May 3 has been cancelled by the D.G., National Testing Agency (N.T.A) and that a Retest is scheduled on June 21, for which admit cards would be issued by June 14. Ahead of it, a scramble has begun for rooms and crash courses in Kota.

Crucial Role of A Teacher Whistle Blower

Unusual or right decision seems to have been taken after the process was found to have been ‘vitiated’. A Teacher whistle blower of an important coaching centre in Sikar after obtaining the papers from a land lord, first went to Police. After not even a ‘suo motto’ complaint was registered, he approached the NTA in the evening of May 7, 2026.

As it took four days, not only much of evidence may have been destroyed but kingpins may have also deserted their “original hide outs”. Government needs to explain why registration of a FIR by C.B.I took so much time when NTA had information on May 7. Later, C.B.I. sent multiple teams to conduct searches at various locations within country.

CATCH BY S.O.G.

The Special Operation Group (SOG) of Rajasthan Police could lay its hand on a Guess paper with 410 questions of which 120 actually had appeared in the examination.

Anxiety Affects Level of Expectation

Cancellation has triggered protests by students mainly in Delhi, U.P., Keralam and many states and also drew sharp criticism from opposition parties. Such toothless Government bodies, no doubt, have not only been playing harshly with the sentiments of over 22 lakh students but aspiration level of parents and others too gets impacted. Its a mental and emotional torture situation.

Many parents sell off a portion of their hard earned property for the well being of their ward. As a “lolly pop of re exam” has been announced, one may ask who will make up for the lost time and additional expenditure on bus, train fare, food expenses and lodging for the candidate and his Father/ Guardian?

Immediate Impact

Imagine the pitiable condition of mother of a teen aged aspirant in such a situation.These are extreme cases of torture apart from a lack of surety in regard to a good medical college.

Such nefarious crimes have been committed in the past also but culprits are never punished even if arrested. Conviction is completely ruled out, looking at the prevailing political and administrative will. Unfortunately its free for all situation.

It has been learnt that due to questions sold for over 500 Lakh Rupees through WhatsApp, 22.7 lakh students are now in a state of limbo.Their dreams appear dejected.

Recommendations of Ex-ISRO Chief Headed Panel

As there are many challenges to conduct Pen and Paper test of NEET in a fair manner and papers have to be physically transported, there are several levels at which leakage can take place.

In view of claims of malpractices in the system of conducting NEET in 2024 also, a high level Committee under chairmanship of Dr. K. Radhakrishnan, former Chairman, ISRO was constituted to recommend reforms and improve security protocol.

In its October 2024 report, the Committee presented many recommendations but key among them remain on paper.This writer feels that there is a strong case for transition from PPT( Pen & Paper Test) to CBT(Computer Based Test) system. It calls for a robust CBT model with examinations in multiple shifts. An examination like JEE (Main) held twice a year was already following a CBT model.

Key Whistleblower

According to a national daily, unravelling of a suspected leak in Rajasthan began with an automated fine print of a WhatsApp message that was forwarded many times. When investigators stumbled upon this message, they realised that what they hoped was an isolated leak, which turned out to be much larger in scale. The SOG of Rajasthan, prior to handing over investigation to CBI had found the WhatsApp group named ” Private Mafia” from where, said Question papers were being circulated. It had members who had paid Rs Five thousand each to join the group. But despite strict ” instructions” from group administrators NOT TO SHARE THE PAPER, these were circulated all over the country.

Preliminary Leads

Preliminary investigations quoted by the daily newspaper have indicated that the question paper may have been initially leaked from Nashik in Maharastra. Shubham Khairnair, a 30 year old medical student managed to obtain the paper, days before the examination and went on to “Share” it. He confessed having got it from one of his associates in Pune. On getting a physical copy, he went on a transfer spree to others as a “Soft copy”.

As per DCP, Nashik, the Police suspects that accused student had purchased the Question paper for Rs 10 Lakhs and later sold the same for Rs 15 lakhs (a solid profit of Rs.5 Lakhs). He has reportedly shared the paper with some vested interests in Gurgaon and other places.

IN NO TIME, COPIES REACHED –

Rajasthan, Delhi, U.P., Keralam, Bihar, Uttarakhand, J & K and some other states. Papers also swiftly reached Sikar, second biggest centre for medical coaching after Kota. As indicated, owner of a Sikar lodge got soft copy from his medical student son & shared these with the girls occupying his P.G. According to one I.G. of Rajasthan, 150 students and 70 parents too are suspected to be involved.

ARRESTS IN MANY STATES

First P.V. Kulkarni, a Lecturerof Pune and so called ‘Mastermind or Source’ was arrested by the CBI. Said to be having ruling party and NTA links, he had access to Question papers. Shockingly, four children from his family are already enrolled in medical colleges. As on date, ten persons have been arrested, of which two – Manisha Mandhare, a Lecturer & Manisha Waghmare, happen to be women belonging to Pune. Latter surprisingly runs a beauty parlour, apart from doing ” Question Business”. Two Professors, including a woman also happen to be Subject Experts of N.T.A. Waghmare, is emerging as a key link in the case. Utter Shame !

Past Investigations

It Is not that the matter has not been investigated so far. 2024 leakage through Telegram case (Nikhil Soni, main accused) had been taken up seriously but much favoured and exalted CBI had audacity to submit a closure report in a Rouse Avenue Court of Addl. J.M., The Court, however, of Ms Neetu Nagar ,while taking serious view of their casual approach, has sought their written explanation on May 21.

PARTING WORDS

Its out and out a national shame in a country which abounds in hard work, talent and sincerity especially emanating from struggling lower middle class homes.We have given Scientists, Mathematicians, Space Engineers, Doctors, Economists, I.T. Wizards etc to NASA and key parts of developed world.

Such a positive contribution started with the days of Prof. C.V. Raman, Prof. J.C.Bose, Prof. Meghnath Saha, Prof. S.N.Bose, Dr. Hargobind Khurana, Dr.S.Chandrsekhar, Dr. Homi J. Bhabha, Prof. Vikram Sarabhai etc.

(The author is former Chief Secretary, Sikkim. Views are strictly personal)