Paper leak issue washes out day 3 in Rajya Sabha

New Delhi: Rajya Sabha failed to conduct any substantial business for the third consecutive day of the monsoon session as the Opposition pressed for suspension of all listed work and discussion on the NEET paper leak and the ongoing agitation. Government agreed to a discussion on the matter but insisted that the Opposition should agree to a structured debate where time and the issue are defined.

While the government had given clear indications that it is ready for a discussion, the main Opposition emphasised that it is possible only after Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan puts in his papers, leading to a stalemate.

When Congress raised thie issue in the Rajya Sabha soon after proceedings began on Wednesday, Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge demanded that under Rule 267 all listed business be set aside and a discussion on the NEET paper leak be taken up.


"But a fair discussion on the NEET issue under Rule 267 would be possible only if the Education Minister quits. An impartial discussion will be possible only if he resigns first. Hence I request the government that they should get his resignation and then start a discussion under Rule 267. This is a democracy... they are beating up students..." Kharge said.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju announced in the House that the government is ready for a discussion on the issue.