Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi addressed Parliament today, July 27, 2026, for the first time since assuming office. His remarks follow student protests related to the NEET UG 2026 paper leak. Joshi assumed the role after the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan.
Joshi reportedly met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at Sansad Bhawan before his parliamentary address. The new education minister's appearance comes amid heightened scrutiny of examination processes.
Anti-Paper Leak Bill Introduced
Union Minister Jitendra Singh introduced the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026. This bill aims to increase penalties for examination malpractices and paper leaks.
The proposed legislation seeks to amend the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024. Minister Singh is expected to move for the bill's consideration and passage in the House.
Parliamentary Proceedings Disrupted
Both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha experienced adjournments today. The Lok Sabha was adjourned until 2 pm. This followed protests by Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) outside the Parliament building.
The Rajya Sabha also faced early adjournment. It was adjourned first until noon, then until 2 pm. Opposition members raised concerns about recent student protests.
Opposition Raises Student Protest Issue
Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge raised the issue of student protests shortly after the Rajya Sabha session began at 11 am. Kharge stated, "This has never happened in the history of India, that students were beaten."
Opposition MPs, including Priyanka Gandhi, protested at Parliament's Makar Dwar. They demanded accountability from the Union Home Minister. The protest addressed incidents during a students' protest at Jantar Mantar on July 20.
Student Protests Details
The student protests occurred under the banner of the "Cockroach Janta Party" (CJP). These demonstrations lasted approximately 36 days. Activist Sonam Wangchuk participated in a hunger strike for nearly 23 days during this period.
Additional Legislative Business
The Lok Sabha's agenda for July 27, 2026, includes the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026. Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal is slated to move this bill for consideration and passage.
Several MPs, including Sougata Ray, N.K. Premachandran, and Adv. Dean Kuriakose, are expected to oppose the Supreme Court Judges Bill.
