Parliamentary committee proposes banning rallies on exam days

A parliamentary standing committee has recommended that district administrations prohibit rallies, processions, and large public gatherings on the days of major competitive examinations. The committee, chaired by Rajya Sabha MP Mukul Wasnik, submitted its report on strengthening the National Testing Agency (NTA) to the Rajya Sabha Chairman.

The proposal aims to prevent traffic congestion and law-and-order disruptions that could cause students to miss their scheduled reporting times. The committee suggested amending the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, to mandate these restrictions. This follows significant controversy surrounding the NEET question paper leak and administrative failures within the NTA, which led to nationwide protests and the resignation of former Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Additionally, the committee addressed procedural issues regarding strict entry policies. It noted that students arriving only a few minutes late are often denied entry, potentially wasting a year of preparation. The report suggests implementing a system where students arriving late due to legitimate reasons can be permitted entry after signing a written undertaking.