New Delhi, July 30:Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, on Thursday criticised the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, alleging that the Centre introduced it in haste without offering a concrete mechanism to prevent future examination paper leaks.

Opening the Opposition's debate on the Bill in the Rajya Sabha, Kharge claimed the legislation was brought primarily to pacify growing student protests rather than resolve the underlying issues behind repeated examination irregularities. He questioned how the government intended to prevent future paper leaks, saying the Bill lacked measures to tackle the root causes.

The Rajya Sabha took up the Bill for discussion and passage a day after the Lok Sabha cleared it through a voice vote during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament.

Beginning his speech with a Hindi couplet, Kharge remarked that while those involved in stealing examination papers escaped punishment, hardworking students continued to suffer. He alleged that the Opposition had demanded a stronger anti-paper leak law in 2024, but the government ignored those calls until protests intensified.

Although welcoming the amendment, Kharge argued that the government's intent to genuinely solve the problem was missing. He said the legislation appeared aimed at calming public anger rather than introducing lasting reforms.

The Congress leader also accused the government of responding to student protests with police action instead of dialogue. Referring to demonstrations over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, he claimed peaceful protesters faced lathicharge and tear gas, and demanded accountability for injuries suffered by students.

Kharge further criticised the absence of senior ministers during the debate, saying those responsible for law and order should explain the government's handling of the issue. During his speech, treasury bench members objected to some of his remarks, prompting Leader of the House Jagat Prakash Nadda to request the Chair to expunge what he termed unparliamentary statements. Kharge maintained that he had used no such language and urged the government to clarify its position regarding the events of July 20.

Earlier, Union Minister Jitendra Singh moved the amendment Bill in the Rajya Sabha after its passage in the Lok Sabha. He described the legislation as an extension of the 2024 anti-paper leak law and said the amendments reflected the government's willingness to strengthen the legal framework based on experience.

Singh said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had consistently expressed concern for students and reiterated the Centre's zero-tolerance policy towards examination malpractices. He urged members across party lines to support the Bill, saying the amendments were intended to make the law more stringent and safeguard students' futures.