NEW DELHI: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan is facing intensified scrutiny following the NEET-UG 2026 exam paper leak, with calls for his resignation growing louder. Additionally, a notice has been submitted in the Rajya Sabha that may lead to privilege proceedings against him for allegedly disrespecting Parliament with statements made at a press conference after the leak.
Jairam Ramesh, the Congress Chief Whip in the Rajya Sabha, filed the notice on Monday, accusing Pradhan of creating “derogatory” remarks about a parliamentary committee, indicating a lack of respect for Parliament. “I have submitted a question of privilege under Rule 187 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Council of States against the Union Minister for having lowered the dignity of Parliament and Parliamentary Committees. His remarks come at a time when the education ministry is already under scrutiny for jeopardizing the future of millions of students in the country,” Ramesh stated in a post on X, sharing the official notice.
Ramesh contended that derogatory references to parliamentary committees or their members constitute “gross contempt” and violate the integrity of the House. He urged that privilege proceedings be initiated against Pradhan in light of his conduct.
The comments in question were reportedly made at a press conference on May 15—three days after the National Testing Agency (NTA) canceled the NEET-UG 2026 exam due to the discovery of irregularities. During the event, Pradhan announced that the re-test is scheduled for June 21 and that the medical entrance examination would transition to an online format from the following year.
When queried by journalists regarding the education ministry’s failure to act on recommendations made by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Pradhan responded: “I will not comment on parliamentary standing committee red flags. I will speak about the High-Level Committee of Experts/Radhakrishnan Committee. The parliamentary standing committee has members from the opposition. They write things in a certain manner, you also know that. Hence, I won’t speak on the standing committee,” according to Ramesh.
Ramesh asserted that parliamentary committees serve as an extension of the Parliament of India, often referred to as “mini-Parliament.” As such, it is vital for the Executive to maintain accountability to both the Legislature and its committees, a cornerstone of India’s democratic system. He characterized Pradhan’s remarks as a serious violation of privilege and a blatant disregard for the House, further emphasizing that the Standing Committee on Education is one of eight standing committees in the Rajya Sabha.
The NEET-UG was conducted on May 3, but the exam was later canceled due to reported irregularities. About 23 lakh candidates had registered to take the test, which was administered by the NTA nationwide.
