'Isn't paper leak—it's theft': Rahul Gandhi ahead of Dehradun leg of 'Chhatron Ki Goonj'

NEW DELHI: Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, ahead of the Dehradun leg of the Congress' 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' campaign on July 17, said Uttarakhand has become the "epicentre of paper leaks" and accused the BJP government of failing to curb examination irregularities despite introducing anti-cheating laws.In a post on X on Thursday, Gandhi said he was taking the campaign to Uttarakhand because repeated exam paper leaks had shattered the hopes of thousands of job aspirants.Referring to the alleged irregularities in the Uttarakhand Subordinate Service Selection Commission (UKSSSC) recruitment exams, Gandhi alleged that government jobs such as patwari and lekhpal were no longer being awarded on merit."Because the land of the gods has been turned into the epicentre of paper leaks. In the UKSSSC exam here, a 'system' has taken root, where positions like patwari, lekhpal, or any other aren't given based on merit, but on rates fixed by criminals," he said.Gandhi also claimed that while the government introduced strict anti-cheating laws, paper leaks continued unabated.'This isn't a leak, it's theft'The Congress leader said exam leaks amounted to stealing the future of young people who spend years preparing for competitive examinations."Just think about it: a child prepared for years, filled out the form, paid the fee, travelled to a far-off centre. And their position was bought by someone else," Gandhi said."This isn't a leak—it's theft. Of that young person's right, their livelihood, their future," he added.Calling on students and job aspirants to join him in Dehradun, Gandhi said, "This is your fight, and I'm with you. Come, let's turn the 'Echo of Students' into a battle cry. We won't let the future be auctioned off. We won't let dreams be leaked.""Chhatron Ki Goonj" (Students' Echo), a nationwide campaign, was launched in June 2026 by the Indian National Congress. Initiated by party leader Rahul Gandhi in Kota, Rajasthan, the movement aims to amplify student grievances regarding exam paper leaks, high coaching fees, mental stress, and unemployment.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.