Punjab CM Mann Accuses Centre of Silencing Youth Over Paper Leak Protests

CHANDIGARH, Jul 21: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday accused the BJP-led Central government of failing to protect the interests of job aspirants, alleging that repeated examination paper leaks had eroded the confidence of thousands of young candidates while promising continued support for students and farmers.

Speaking at a press conference in Chandigarh, Mann alleged that recurring recruitment examination irregularities over the years reflected a lack of transparency and accountability. He claimed that several major paper leak incidents had occurred since 2017 but asserted that those responsible had largely escaped action, leaving students frustrated and uncertain about their future.

The chief minister also criticised the Haryana government over its handling of farmers’ protests, alleging that cultivators were being stopped from travelling to the national capital to oppose the proposed India-US trade agreement. He urged the Centre to engage directly with farmer organisations and resolve their concerns through dialogue instead of imposing restrictions.

Addressing the legal challenge mounted by private school associations against the Punjab government’s fee regulation Ordinance, Mann said every citizen had the right to approach the courts but made it clear that the state would firmly defend the legislation.

The Ordinance limits annual fee increases in private schools to five per cent and requires institutions to refund any excess amount collected from parents during the previous three years. Mann said the measure was intended to safeguard families from arbitrary fee hikes and make education more affordable.

Referring to the reported suicide of a private school student in Amritsar, the chief minister said educational institutions should prioritise public service over commercial interests. He maintained that the government’s intervention was aimed at protecting students from financial exploitation and ensuring fairness in the education sector.

Highlighting the state’s education initiatives, Mann said Punjab had witnessed a sharp rise in the number of government school students qualifying the NEET examination, with successful candidates increasing from 80 in 2021 to 881 in 2026. He described the achievement as evidence of improving academic standards in public schools.

He further stated that nearly 24 lakh parents had participated in parent-teacher meetings organised across government schools, while around 20,000 students, including 12,000 girls, were benefiting from the state’s free bus transport facility.

According to the chief minister, growing public trust in government schools reflects the impact of sustained investments in infrastructure, teaching standards and student welfare. He assured that the state government would continue strengthening the education system to provide better opportunities for children.

Taking a political swipe at the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), Mann claimed the party had lost its influence in Punjab and predicted it would struggle to secure seats in the next Assembly elections.