'Paper leaks are no ordinary matter': What PM Modi said in his midnight video message

NEW DELHI: With CJP-led protests over NEET-UG 2026 examination irregularities showing no signs of easing, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the government would take stricter action against paper leaks."Friends, I know that paper leaks are not an ordinary matter. For lakhs of students and their parents, it is extremely painful," PM Modi said in a self-recorded video posted on X.PM Modi said the Union Cabinet would consider a draft Bill proposing Fast-Track Courts and stringent punishment for offenders. "In the last two and a half months since the paper leak incidents, several major steps have been taken. The culprits have been caught; they are currently in jail," he added.PM Modi highlighted that the government made every effort to ensure that the students did not lose an academic year. "Our most important responsibility was to ensure that a whole year for the students is not wasted. It was very important to conduct the exams immediately. The government used its full strength to arrange exams for nearly 22 lakh students in the shortest possible time. And just five or six days ago, on the 19th, the results were also announced. News of the happiness of successful students is coming from all over the country."PM Modi said that the government has decided to take stronger measures to tackle paper leaks. "However, we are not among those who are satisfied with just that. And therefore, today I have issued directions to the departments to set up Fast-Track Courts. The departments worked tirelessly and, late last night, provided me with a draft. This draft, which includes provisions for Fast-Track Courts and stringent punishments, will be discussed in the Cabinet tomorrow," he added."After incorporating suggestions from Cabinet colleagues, it will be given a final shape. Efforts will be made to get this Bill passed in the House as soon as possible, as the second week of the Parliament session begins on Monday," he said. The PM also urged activist Sonam Wangchuk to follow doctors' advice, recover well and gain weight as soon as possible."I urge Sonam ji to follow his routine as per the doctors' advice and regain his old weight as soon as possible. I pray to the Lord that Sonam ji remains healthy," he said in a post on X.Activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike on Friday at Medanta Hospital in the presence of Union ministers J P Nadda and Jitendra Singh, along with senior leaders of the Apex Body of Leh Ladakh.In a post on X, Wangchuk said he decided to call off the fast after prolonged negotiations on various conditions and in view of the possibility of violence in the country.The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which has been spearheading the protest at Jantar Mantar, welcomed Wangchuk's decision but said its agitation would continue until Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.