Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has firmly rejected allegations of examination paper leaks during the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government’s tenure, asserting that not a single question paper has been leaked in the state over the past four and a half years.
His remarks came after the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan triggered a fresh political confrontation between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the AAP. The BJP intensified its attack on the Punjab government, demanding the resignation of Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains and alleging irregularities in several recruitment and examination processes.
Responding to the allegations, Mann maintained that while isolated attempts to cheat were reported during examinations at two centres, they did not amount to paper leaks.
“There has not been a single paper leak in Punjab in the last four and a half years. I assure the people that there will be no paper leaks in Punjab. This is my guarantee,” the Chief Minister said.
He explained that the state government received reports of cheating from two examination centres, but authorities responded immediately. According to Mann, action was initiated within minutes, and those involved in organised cheating rackets were identified and proceeded against.
“We acted within ten minutes of receiving information about cheating. Strong action was taken against those responsible, and cheating gangs were dealt with firmly,” he said, emphasising the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards examination malpractice.
The Chief Minister reiterated that his administration has prioritised transparency and fairness in recruitment and competitive examinations, arguing that swift enforcement measures have helped maintain the integrity of the examination system.
The BJP, however, continued to press its criticism. Party spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari alleged irregularities in multiple examinations, including the Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) Class 12 English examination, the Punjab State Teacher Eligibility Test (PSTET), the Agriculture Development Officer (ADO) recruitment examination, and recruitment conducted by the Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board (PSSSB). The party also raised concerns over alleged cheating in Naib Tehsildar and Pharmacy Officer recruitment tests and claimed discrepancies in the Excise and Taxation Inspector merit list.
Despite the opposition’s allegations, the Punjab government has maintained that no examination paper leak has occurred during the current administration and has asserted that any attempt to compromise examinations has been met with immediate administrative and legal action.
