Rahul Gandhi at Dehradun event: Paper leaks affected 7.5 crore students in 10 years

DEHRADUN — Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday told a gathering of students here that examination paper leaks have become the 'norm' in India, affecting an estimated 7.5 crore students over the past decade. Speaking at the 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' programme in Dehradun, Gandhi called for a political consensus to dismantle what he described as the 'paper-leak industry'.

'Paper leaks are no longer exceptions'

Gandhi said that recurring leaks in competitive exams, from board tests to entrance examinations, indicate a systemic failure. 'This is not a one-off problem. In 10 years, 7.5 crore students have been affected. Paper leaks are the norm, not the exception,' he told the audience.

The Congress MP argued that the rot goes beyond individual culprits. 'The entire education system is behind these paper leaks. It is an industry now. Students are victims of a system that benefits middlemen and corrupt officials,' he added.

Congress demands action against Pradhan

At the same event, the Congress party escalated its attack on the central government, demanding the removal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The party alleged that the minister's handling of examination integrity has been a failure.

Congress leaders also called for a dialogue between the Centre and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on a protest over education and environmental issues in Ladakh. The party said that student concerns across the country need to be addressed urgently.

Worker killed at event

Tragedy struck the programme when a Congress worker was killed after an iron rod fell on him at the venue. The incident occurred amid the crowd that had gathered to hear Gandhi speak.

Party workers said the deceased was a local supporter. Congress leaders expressed grief and demanded a thorough investigation. Authorities have not yet confirmed the identity of the worker or the exact circumstances surrounding the accident.

Students speak of shattered dreams

Several students who attended the event shared their frustrations with the media. 'My job dreams came crashing down after the exam was cancelled due to a leak,' one student said. 'I prepared for two years, and now I don't know when the next exam will be or if it will be fair.'

Another student from a nearby village said that families are losing faith in competitive exams. 'We are not asking for free passes. We just want a system where hard work is rewarded, not manipulation,' he said.

What happens next

The Congress has said it will raise the issue of paper leaks in Parliament and push for a joint parliamentary committee to investigate. The government is yet to respond formally to Gandhi's allegations or the demand for Pradhan's removal. The death of the party worker is likely to trigger a political row in Uttarakhand.