Actor Dia Mirza has criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent address on the NEET paper leak controversy, saying his remarks failed to acknowledge the pain and anxiety faced by lakhs of students and their families.
Reacting to the Prime Minister’s late-night video message, Dia took to Instagram Stories and expressed disappointment over what she described as a lack of empathy.
She said that while the government spoke about reforms, stronger security measures and punishment for those responsible, it did not directly address the emotional trauma suffered by students whose futures had been thrown into uncertainty.
“Not one word of empathy for the students. Not one word of empathy for the parents. Not one word of apology,” Dia wrote.
The actor said accountability should begin with compassion, especially when millions of young people and their families have been affected by the examination crisis.
According to her, leadership is not only about announcing corrective action. It is also about recognising the emotional impact of such incidents and assuring students that their fears and struggles have been heard.
In his address, Prime Minister Modi described examination paper leaks as a serious crime and said the government would set up fast-track courts to ensure swift punishment for those involved.
He also promised tighter safeguards to make competitive examinations more secure and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Calling paper leaks a betrayal of the country’s youth, Modi said those responsible would not be spared.
Dia’s remarks come at a time when several members of the film industry have expressed support for students protesting over alleged irregularities in NEET and other competitive examinations.
Many celebrities have called for greater transparency, accountability and sensitivity in the government’s response.
The NEET paper leak controversy has triggered protests across the country, with students demanding justice, reforms and action against those responsible.
Although the Centre has announced legal and administrative measures, criticism over its handling of the issue continues. Dia Mirza’s comments have now added another prominent voice to the debate.
