Imphal: Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president and former chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh on Sunday criticised both the state and central govts over the delay in the expansion of the Manipur cabinet while accusing the BJP-led NDA govt of failing to curb repeated examination paper leaks across the country.Addressing a media conference at the Congress Bhavan on BT Road in Imphal, Ibobi said the state govt continued to function without a full-fledged council of ministers for nearly five months, leaving chief minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh in charge of more than 20 departments.He said several key portfolios, including health, education and commerce and industries, remain without dedicated ministers, raising concerns over the govt’s ability to effectively administer the state. “The govt has been in office for months, yet cabinet expansion has not taken place. With the chief minister handling more than 20 departments, how can the administration function efficiently?” Ibobi asked, adding that the absence of an education minister showed the govt was not prioritising the education sector.Claiming that the people deserve a better administration, Ibobi said those aspiring for a “new Manipur” should reject the present govt.On national issues, Ibobi alleged repeated paper leaks in competitive examinations undermined the future of students. Referring to a nationwide campaign under the banner “Chhatron Ki Goonj,” he claimed that since 2014, more than 152 incidents of question paper leaks, including NEET and other recruitment and entrance examinations, have been reported.He alleged the recurring irregularities caused widespread distress among students and their families, claiming that several aspirants died by suicide due to mental pressure arising from such incidents.Citing leader of the opposition Rahul Gandhi‘s participation in a students’ protest in Dehradun on July 17, Ibobi said Congress would continue to raise issues affecting students and demand reforms in the education system.Holding the Centre responsible, Ibobi demanded that the Union education minister take moral responsibility and resign, alleging that the govt failed to ensure transparency and credibility in the country’s examination system.On recent arrests in connection with the killing of six people in the state, Ibobi welcomed the progress in the investigation but emphasised the need for speedy justice. “The affected families have been waiting for justice. The rule of law must prevail, and I hope every person responsible for the crime is identified and punished in accordance with the law,” he said.
