Paper leaks systemic problem; non-BJP parties must set example in handling student protests: AISA chief Neha Bora
Bora, who also took part in protest in JMM-ruled Jharkhand, called for greater unity among opposition and non-BJP parties in handling student movements
Neha Bora, president of the All India Students' Association (AISA) and a participant in protests against alleged recruitment exam irregularities, emphasized that the recent NEET paper leaks are a systemic issue rooted in shortcomings in the education system. She criticized the recent Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, which increases penalties for those involved in exam leaks, arguing that it fails to address the underlying structural issues.
Bora also called for greater unity among opposition and non-BJP political parties in handling student movements, suggesting that non-BJP parties must lead by example in dealing with peaceful protesters. She noted that if non-BJP parties do not effectively challenge the BJP and RSS when in power, they risk facing the same fate. Bora pointed to the recent resignation of the Union education minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, as an example of how representatives of democratic institutions can be held accountable.
She argued for greater involvement of people experienced in the education system in policy-making and criticized the centralization of education, which she believes contributes to the privatization of education. Bora defended student elections as crucial democratic exercises and warned that weakening campus democracy could undermine critical dialogue and encourage a culture of compliance.
On student protests, Bora stressed that student organizations across states should unite as they confront a common crisis in the education system. She criticized political parties that distance themselves from student protests and highlighted the difficult conditions faced by protesting students, including adverse weather and inadequate access to basic facilities.
Regarding the reservation system, Bora argued that it was intended to provide educational access to historically excluded sections of society and called for an assessment of the implementation of existing reservation provisions and the current social and educational status of disadvantaged sections. She emphasized that education should be viewed as an instrument for overcoming inequality and creating a more equitable social order, rather than merely a means of obtaining a job or degree.
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