Modi promises strict action over exam fraud after India student protests

NEW DELHI: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday pledged tough action against those involved in examination fraud, making his first direct remarks linked to the student protests that have posed a significant challenge to his government.

The statement came a day after thousands of demonstrators gathered in New Delhi under the banner of the social media-driven Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) movement, leading to fresh clashes with police. In a post on X, Modi said the government would establish fast-track courts to deal with those responsible for question paper leaks.

Modi said protecting young people’s prospects was a priority and warned that those accused of damaging their future would face consequences.

Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth.

Those who try to harm the future of our youth will not be spared.

The protests, led largely by students, have been calling since last month for the education minister to step down over repeated exam paper leak scandals. Demonstrations escalated on Monday, when police used tear gas and batons against tens of thousands of protesters attempting to march to parliament on the opening day of the monsoon session.

As the confrontation intensified, some protesters threw stones, in the largest street mobilisation in the Indian capital in around five years. Police said at least 178 people, including members of the security forces, were injured in the unrest.

Movement widened beyond exam leak issue

The CJP first emerged in May as a satirical campaign after Chief Justice Surya Kant was reported to have compared young people during a court hearing to cockroaches and parasites. Since then, the movement has expanded its focus beyond examination disputes to include unemployment, opportunities for youth and what it says is Modi’s increasingly authoritarian governing style.

The unrest has become one of the most serious tests for Modi since he secured a third term in office in 2024. Anger has been fuelled by a succession of controversies that have shaken confidence in India’s examination system.

Among them was the leak of a medical entrance examination paper, which resulted in more than two million candidates having to sit the test again. Another row over the online marking of exams taken by nearly two million high school students has also added to public frustration.