‘Paper Leak Industry Must End,’ Says Rahul Gandhi at Chhatron Ki Goonj Programme in Dehradun

Image Source : @INCIndia CONGRESS

Dated 18th July 2026

News By Dr. B R Abdul Wajid

Chief Political Editor

Dehradun | Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi addressed hundreds of students at the ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj (Echo of Students)’ programme held at Bannu School Ground in Dehradun, Uttarakhand on Sunday the 17th July 2026. During the event, he strongly criticised the present examination system and alleged that repeated paper leaks have affected the future of lakhs of students across the country. He assured students that their concerns would continue to be raised and that the Congress party would stand with them in the fight for a fair and transparent education system.

VIDEO | Source : @INCIndia CONGRESS

Addressing the gathering, Rahul Gandhi said that in the present system there are “two paths” before students — one of honesty and another of paper leaks. He alleged that the hard work of students is being destroyed because of repeated examination irregularities. He said no family should suffer because of a broken education system and that no parent should have to bear the pain caused by corruption in examinations.

VIDEO | Congress leader Rahul Gandhi addressing the gathering during ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ program in Dehradun. Source : @INCIndia CONGRESS.

During the interaction, a student told Rahul Gandhi that despite studying hard, students lose to the system when examination papers are leaked. Referring to this, Rahul Gandhi alleged that a “paper leak industry” is operating in the country and said it must be eliminated completely. He also claimed that the examination system has been taken over by paper leaks from top to bottom and stressed the need to rebuild it from the ground up.

VIDEO | Congress leader Rahul Gandhi addressing the gathering during ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ program in Dehradun. Source : @INCIndia CONGRESS.

Rahul Gandhi proposed a 21st-century examination system that would be student – friendly and transparent. He suggested flexible examination dates, a secure question bank and randomly generated question papers to prevent leaks. He also called for independent and accountable educational institutions, saying there should be no political interference in education, those responsible for paper leaks should be punished and privatisation of education should be reviewed. He further demanded immediate re-examinations whenever paper leaks occur and fair compensation for affected students.

Images Source : @INCIndia CONGRESS

Speaking about the struggles of students preparing for competitive examinations, Rahul Gandhi said that millions of young people spend nearly five years preparing, often studying for around ten hours a day. He said families spend an average of Rs. 9 lakh on education by using their savings and even taking loans. According to him, many young people are left with only one option — government jobs — as opportunities in manufacturing, entrepreneurship, the corporate sector and public sector employment have reduced. He urged everyone to come together to change the present situation.

Rahul Gandhi also listed what he described as four major injustices faced by the youth: the high cost of education, limited employment opportunities, the very low success rate in competitive examinations and repeated paper leaks. He alleged that over the past ten years there have been 152 paper leaks, affecting the future of nearly 7.5 crore young people. He said the country needs an examination system that provides complete security and fairness to students.

VIDEO | Heartfelt video during the event | Source : @INCIndia CONGRESS

The programme also highlighted the emotional impact of examination irregularities. Rajesh Mall Ji, father of Riya Kumari, who allegedly died by suicide following the NEET paper leak controversy, shared his family’s experience. He said his daughter had returned home happy after writing the examination but became deeply distressed after learning about the alleged paper leak and the possibility of a re-examination. He said she felt students were repeatedly being treated unfairly despite their hard work and sacrifices.

A student attending the programme told the media that she had appeared for NEET in 2024 but later gave up her dream because of the alleged paper leak controversy. She said she was happy that Rahul Gandhi had come to Dehradun to listen to students and raise their concerns.

VIDEO | One of the student who attended the program addressing the Media | Source : @INCIndia CONGRESS.

“The ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ programme concluded with Rahul Gandhi reiterating that the country’s education system requires comprehensive reforms to ensure transparency, accountability and equal opportunities for every student. He said the hard work, aspirations and future of India’s youth must be protected through a fair and trustworthy examination system.” ~ News By Dr. B R Abdul Wajid.