'Nothing more important than youth's future': PM Modi announces fast-track courts for paper leak cases

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced that the Centre will set up fast-track courts to ensure the speedy trial and stringent punishment of those involved in paper leak cases, asserting that protecting students' future remains the government's top priority.In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, "Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth! We have decided to set up fast-track courts to ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks. Have directed the concerned authorities and officials to take all necessary steps in this regard. This continues our series of steps for safeguarding the interests of students."He added: "Those who try to harm the future of our youth will not be spared."The announcement comes amid a prolonged student protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar over NEET paper leak fiasco.Meanwhile, the announcement comes days after Prime Minister Modi called the paper leak menace as a "ghor paap" (grave sin) and vowed strict action against those who "play with the future of youth."The remarks were made during the NDA parliamentary party meeting and were later conveyed by parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju.According to Rijiju, the Prime Minister said the "NEET paper leak should not be an issue of partisan politics" as it is a "national issue and not a matter of one state or the Centre alone."Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.