CBSE paper leak: Education sector controlled by mafia and Centre protecting it, says Congress leader Kapil Sibal

As protests against the CBI paper leak intensifies, Congress launched a fresh a salvo on the Narendra Modi government accusing it of turning a blind eye to corruption in the education sector and protecting a mafia that is ruling the education sector in the country.

Taking a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sibal said that the prime minister has turned a blind eye to issues facing the education sector. "It's like when there is darkness in the whole country, even the chowkidar goes to sleep," he said.

File image of Kapil Sibal. Reuters

Criticising the Centre's reaction to the recent paper leak in CBSE Class X maths and Class 12 economics papers, the former HRD minister said on Friday that the cost of education is growing in the country, and so is corruption with it.

"Till today, no step has been taken that would send the message that they would end this mafia in education. They saved the mafia in the Vayapam case. It seemed they are involved in this as well," Sibal alleged during a press conference on Friday.

He also said that in Bihar, students were paying Rs 25,000 for one paper.

Sibal also urged the government to take responsibility for the recent cases of corruption in the education sector. "CBSE paper leak is not the only paper leak. The SSC scam was another major concern. If the government does not take accountability for its wrongdoings, then who will?" Sibal asked.

The senior Congress leader also lamented the rising cost of education in India. He said, "Recently, in Uttarakhand, medical institutions where fees were Rs six lakh have been increased to Rs 23 lakh. They are telling some universities that they can charge as much as they want. People in India, don't earn that much. How will people pay for the fees?"

"Look at any country, the government pays for education. In Germany, education is free. In the US, education is not free, but funding is available. But it's not the case in India," Sibal said while accusing the government of not doing enough to make education affordable.

The senior Congress leader said that the government is burdening students and families with its tall promises. "They are saying global salary will be paid to teachers. But if they want global salary, the students will have to pay for it. Which family can educate their children after taking loans of Rs one crore?"

Making references to the lack of clarity over re-exam of Class X maths and Class XII economics papers, Sibal said: "The time after exams are usually spent planning for summer vacation, but now students have to prepare for another exam. And they don't even know when the exam will take place. What have they (students) done?"