In a swift response to the ongoing NEET-UG paper leak controversy that has rocked students, parents, and the entire medical admissions process, the Union Government has effected a significant bureaucratic reshuffle in the education ministry.
According to an official order issued by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, Vineet Joshi, IAS (MN:92), who was serving as Secretary, Department of Higher Education, has been transferred to the Ministry of Panchayati Raj.
New Appointments
- Naresh Pal Gangwar, IAS (RJ:94) has been appointed as the new Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education.
- T.K. Anil Kumar, IAS (KN:95) has been named Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy.
The move comes amid intense public scrutiny and protests over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.
The government order, dated today, lists these changes alongside several other senior-level appointments and in-situ upgradations across multiple ministries.
The NEET-UG exam, which serves as the gateway for MBBS and other medical courses across India, has faced repeated criticism in recent years over leak allegations, alleged irregularities in question paper distribution, and delays in results. Students and opposition parties have demanded a thorough probe and stricter safeguards.
This leadership change is being seen as the government’s attempt to signal seriousness and bring in fresh administrative energy at a critical time.
As the nation watches closely, all eyes are on whether these new secretaries can deliver the much-needed reforms to India’s high-stakes education system.
