The first day of the monsoon session of the 18th Lok Sabha is set to be a busy one for the new government, with a slew of questions awaiting answers. One of the most pressing issues on the agenda is the recent spate of paper leaks, specifically those affecting the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) exam. Congress MP Manickam Tagore and DMK leader Kalanidhi Veeraswamy have already submitted questions to the education minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, regarding the government’s plans to address these concerns and overhaul the National Testing Agency (NTA). They have also raised concerns about the broader impact of paper leaks over the past seven years, affecting over 20 million students, and are seeking clarification on the steps being taken to safeguard students and prevent future leaks. The MPs have also inquired whether the government is considering scrapping the NEET exams altogether, as requested by states such as Tamil Nadu. Adding to the pressure on the education minister, Revolutionary Socialist Party MP NK Premachandran has questioned the government about the number of cases registered in connection with the NEET-UG question paper leaks and the actions taken in response. Beyond the education sector, the government will be fielding questions on a wide range of topics, including the funds disbursed for centrally sponsored schemes, efforts to reduce pending cases under the Companies Act, scholarship schemes aimed at promoting higher education among Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (SC/ST) students, and the impact of climate change on Majuli Island. A total of 250 questions are slated to be posed, 20 of which are starred, requiring oral answers in the House, and 230 unstarred. The Question Hour is scheduled for 12 pm in the Lok Sabha and 11 am in the Rajya Sabha. In addition to facing questions, the government is also set to introduce six bills, including the Finance Bill 2024, which is expected to propose significant tax changes. The other bills on the agenda include the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, the Boilers Bill, the Bharatiya Vayu Vidheyak, the Coffee (Promotion and Development) Bill, and the Rubber (Promotion and Development) Bill. As the monsoon session commences, the new government is faced with a multitude of challenges, with the issue of paper leaks and education reform taking center stage.
