Cheema Rejects Opposition Claims, Says No Paper Leak Case Reported in Punjab
Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema says no question paper leak has occurred under AAP rule, while opposition parties continue to target the Mann government over the pharmacy officer exam cheating case
Chandigarh, July 29: Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Tuesday dismissed allegations of paper leaks in the state, accusing opposition parties of spreading misinformation against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led government.
Addressing a press conference, Cheema claimed that no paper leak incident had taken place during the nearly four years of the Bhagwant Mann government and said the opposition was attempting to create confusion among students and job aspirants.
“There has not been a single case of paper leak in Punjab. Opposition parties are misleading the youth for political gains,” Cheema said.
The minister’s remarks came amid criticism from opposition parties over the recent detection of a cheating network during the pharmacy officer recruitment examination. The opposition has been targeting the Punjab government and demanding action against Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains and Health Minister Balbir Singh.
Police had recently uncovered a well organised interstate cheating racket during the pharmacy officer examination conducted on July 19. According to officials, seven major conspirators and 28 candidates were arrested in connection with the case.
During the investigation, Punjab Police recovered 27 battery-operated wireless devices allegedly used by candidates to receive outside assistance during the examination. Authorities described the operation as a sophisticated attempt to manipulate the recruitment process.
Clarifying the government’s position, Cheema said the incident was related to unfair means used by some candidates and should not be termed a paper leak case. He stated that strict action was being taken against those involved in examination malpractice.
“Some candidates were caught using electronic devices to cheat in the pharmacy officer exam. This is a case of cheating, not a paper leak,” Cheema said.
The Punjab government has maintained that it remains committed to ensuring transparency in recruitment examinations and protecting the interests of deserving candidates. Cheema added that strict measures would continue to be taken against individuals involved in fraudulent activities.
The opposition, however, has continued to raise concerns over examination security and alleged failures in preventing irregularities. Leaders from rival parties have demanded greater accountability from the state government and questioned the functioning of departments responsible for conducting recruitment examinations.
The controversy comes at a time when examination transparency has emerged as a major political issue across the country, with several states facing criticism over alleged irregularities in competitive and recruitment tests.
The Punjab government has reiterated that every effort is being made to ensure fair examinations and that those found guilty of cheating or violating rules will face legal action.
