How the Jantar Mantar Protests Forced India to Confront Its Examination Crisis

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  How the Jantar Mantar Protests Forced India to Confront Its Examination Crisis Every year, millions of Indian students dedicate months, sometimes years, to preparing for competitive examinations that shape their futures. Among these, the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is one of India's most important and competitive entrance exams, serving as the gateway to medical education. In 2026, that trust was severely tested. Following allegations of a large-scale question paper leak, the NEET examination came under intense public scrutiny. Investigations, public outrage, and the decision to conduct one of the largest re-examinations in India's history transformed what initially appeared to be an examination scandal into a national debate about accountability and educational reform. More Than Just One Examination The controversy was not only about a leaked paper. It reflected growing frustration over repeated examination irregularities seen across various competitive and...

The Punchhi Commission

 The Punchhi Commission was established in April 2007 under the chairmanship of Justice Madan Mohan Punchhi, a former Chief Justice of India. It was set up to re-examine Centre-State relations, considering the evolving political and economic landscape since the Sarkaria Commission (1988).

Key Recommendations of the Punchhi Commission

  1. Restraint in Using Article 356

    • Suggested that President’s Rule should be imposed only as a last resort.

    • Recommended issuing warnings before invoking Article 356.

  2. Governor’s Role

    • Governors should remain politically neutral for at least two years before appointment.

    • Proposed a committee-based appointment process, including the Prime Minister, Home Minister, Lok Sabha Speaker, and the concerned Chief Minister.

  3. Inter-State Council

    • Recommended to make the Inter-State Council a permanent body to foster Centre-State cooperation.

  4. Union’s Treaty-Making Power

    • Suggested regulating treaties affecting State List subjects, ensuring state consultation.

  5. Concurrent List Legislation

    • States should be consulted before introducing bills on concurrent list matters.

The Commission emphasized cooperative federalism, ensuring greater autonomy for states while maintaining national unity.

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