Modi vows punishment for exam fraud in first comments on Indian student protests

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directly addressed the recent wave of student protests, vowing "stringent punishment" for those implicated in widespread exam fraud. In his first public comments on the matter, Modi stated that the welfare and future of the nation's youth are paramount.

Speaking via the social media platform X, Modi promised to establish fast-track courts to expedite the prosecution of individuals involved in leaking exam papers. "Those who try to harm the future of our youth will not be spared," he declared, signaling a firm stance against the perpetrators of academic dishonesty.

The protests, which have gained significant momentum, are largely driven by students demanding the resignation of the education minister. The demonstrations escalated this week when police used tear gas and batons against thousands of protesters marching towards parliament. The clashes resulted in at least 178 injuries, including among security personnel.

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

The movement, partly organized by the social media-driven Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), has broadened its scope beyond exam irregularities. It now encompasses concerns over unemployment and what the group describes as Prime Minister Modi's increasingly authoritarian governance style. These protests mark one of the most significant challenges to Modi's Hindu-nationalist government since his re-election in 2024.

Recent exam irregularities, including a major leak of a medical entrance exam paper that affected over two million candidates, have eroded public trust in India's examination system. Further anger was stoked by disputes over the online marking of exams for nearly two million high school students, amplifying the public's discontent.

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