Education system has completely collapsed due to paper leaks, scams: Shiv Sena (UBT) in 'Saamana'

Shiv Sena UBT on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the state and Central governments over the condition of the countrys education system alleging that repeated examination paper leaks corruption financial irregularities and political interference have severely damaged the credibility of educational institutionsIn an editorial published in its mouthpiece Saamana the Uddhav Thackerayled party claimed that Indias education system has completely collapsed with Maharashtra witnessing a series of examinationrelated controversies that have shaken public confidenceEditorial alleges widespread examination irregularitiesThe editorial focused on recent incidents involving examination paper leaks in Maharashtra claiming that more than 10 examination papers were leaked within a month It also referred to alleged irregularities linked to the Maharashtra Common Entrance Test MHTCETPaper leaks and grade theft are happening openly in broad daylight Education is the foundation of society and if the system collapses society will collapse along with it the editorial saidThe party alleged that repeated examination scandals have undermined the credibility of the states education system and called for greater accountabilityClaims of malpractice in entrance examinationsThe editorial cited viral audio and video recordings that allegedly exposed irregularities in the CET examination process It claimed that students who secured modest scores in their Class 12 board examinations later achieved exceptionally high marks in the entrance test under suspicious circumstancesCandidates who scored merely 40 per cent to 50 per cent in Physics Chemistry and Mathematics in their 12th Board examinations surprisingly secured 98 per cent 99 per cent or 100 per cent in the CET A viral audio clip revealed a woman offering access to special examination centres for Rs 12 lakh guaranteeing a 99 per cent score to candidates the editorial saidThe party claimed these allegations had further weakened public trust in the states examination processQuestions raised over appointments and corruptionShiv Sena UBT also criticised the appointment of ViceChancellors at universities alleging that educational institutions were being influenced by political considerations instead of meritThe editorial further referred to an alleged financial irregularity involving the ViceChancellor of Parbhani Agricultural University and claimed that the state government was shielding those responsible It also cited the arrest of BJP leader Sanjay Garud from Jalgaon in connection with the alleged Rs 160crore Shalarth ID scamThe editorial argued that such controversies reflected deeper governance issues within the higher education sectorEditorial criticises textbook changes and policy directionThe party also criticised the Central government over revisions to history textbooks alleging that the changes reflected ideological priorities rather than academic considerationsIt further claimed that pressure on researchers and scientists to conform to certain viewpoints was discouraging academic freedom and affecting institutions such as the Indian Space Research Organisation ISROCall for structural reforms in educationThe editorial also highlighted what it described as growing inequality in access to education It alleged that while many middleclass families borrow money to pay for coaching classes affluent candidates are able to exploit systemic loopholes through leaked papers and manipulated examination centresPune which was once celebrated as the centre of education and knowledge has now been defamed as a hub for paper leaks the editorial statedConcluding its criticism Shiv Sena UBT urged authorities to undertake comprehensive reforms instead of relying solely on special investigation teams after each controversy The party warned that unless decisive steps are taken to restore transparency and accountability the countrys education system could face a prolonged loss of public trust