'Those who try to harm the future of our youth will not be spared': PM Modi announces fast-track courts for paper leak cases amid NEET protests

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the welfare and future of the country's youth remain the government's top priority, announcing the setting up of fast-track courts to ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leak cases. 

The announcement comes amid continuing protests over the alleged NEET paper leak, with students demanding accountability and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Security has been heightened across central Delhi in view of the demonstrations. 

In a post on X, Modi said, "Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth. We have decided to set up fast-track courts to ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks. I have directed the concerned authorities and officials to take all necessary steps in this regard. This continues our series of steps for safeguarding the interests of students. Those who try to harm the future of our youth will not be spared." 

On Wednesday, the government told the Lok Sabha that it was willing to hold a discussion on the NEET paper leak issue and urged Speaker Om Birla to convene an all-party meeting to decide the rule, date and duration of the debate. 

The opposition has been pressing for a discussion on the controversy and has also sought the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the handling of the alleged examination irregularities. 

Separately, on Wednesday, Modi called for citizen-centric governance reforms and a whole-of-government approach to accelerate India's journey towards becoming a developed nation. 

Chairing a meeting of Secretaries to the Government of India, the Prime Minister urged ministries to break departmental silos and improve policy convergence, saying governance reforms should be driven by citizens' needs rather than administrative convenience. He stressed that the objective was not merely to improve government functioning but to fast-track India's transition to a Viksit Bharat. 

The meeting also reviewed measures to expand the PM-KUSUM scheme, undertake global skill mapping, strengthen the sports ecosystem and improve coordination across ministries.