Maharashtra Deputy CM Promises Action After TET Postponement Due to Paper Leak
NEW DELHI: Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has pledged rigorous measures against those involved in the postponement of the Teachers Eligibility Test (TET) just 24 hours before the scheduled examination due to a suspected paper leak. Shinde announced that the state government is contemplating the use of the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against the individuals connected to the alleged leak.
“The incident surrounding the TET paper leak is extremely unsettling. I will engage in detailed discussions with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to ensure action is taken against those responsible, including the masterminds behind this incident. There will be no leniency offered to the culprits, irrespective of their status or any affiliations with organised groups. The law will impose the harshest penalties on all involved,” stated the Shiv Sena leader during a press conference.
Shinde commended the police for their swift and vigilant actions, emphasizing that the officers sustained the future of “lakhs of diligent and honest candidates, preventing them from falling into a void of uncertainty.” In a related development, the Bhiwandi Police apprehended three individuals from Kongaon, located along the Kalyan–Bhiwandi border, in connection to this case. The arrested suspects have been identified as Rajeev Shah, Akash Kumar, and Dheeraj Kumar.
Political Repercussions Intensify
The postponement of the TET has ignited an escalation in political tensions, with opposition parties criticizing the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which controls both the state and central governments, amidst ongoing claims of examination irregularities. Previously, in May, the NEET-UG exams faced similar turmoil due to an alleged question paper leak, culminating in a re-examination on June 21.
Opposition leader and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi condemned the state of the nation’s examination systems, stating that it has devolved into a “system of extortion.” Gandhi remarked on X, “Another paper leak. Another exam cancelled. This time, it’s Maharashtra’s TET. The nation’s education and examination systems have been compromised, leaving the youth nationwide feeling insecure. This shouldn’t be merely considered a paper leak, but an assault on the future of our youth.”
Furthermore, AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal criticized the BJP, alleging widespread corruption and failure in managing critical institutions. He referenced both the NEET-UG situation and purported financial misconduct related to donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, echoing concerns about the effectiveness of the BJP’s governance. Kejriwal stated, “Temples aren’t being managed properly. Exams cannot be conducted under their oversight. How can they govern the nation? The citizens cannot feel safe in their hands.”
Next Steps for the TET
According to an official announcement, the Maharashtra State Council of Examination (MSCE) decided to delay the TET after investigating claims surrounding a suspected question paper leak in Bhiwandi. They indicated that, despite deploying necessary security measures due to previous irregularities reported during the NEET-UG examination, confidential reports have pointed to certain individuals in Bhiwandi possessing information related to the TET question paper. The test was poised to take place at 1,028 examination centers throughout the state. A new date for the TET will be communicated in due course, the council informed.
