Why Naresh Pal Gangwar’s Appointment as Higher Education Secretary Has Sparked a Political Firestorm Amid NEET Row

The Centre’s appointment of Naresh Pal Gangwar as the new Higher Education Secretary has ignited a fresh political controversy, with the Opposition questioning the timing of the decision amid the ongoing scrutiny over the NEET-UG examination controversy.

Gangwar replaces Vineet Joshi, who has been shifted to the Ministry of Panchayati Raj as part of a major bureaucratic reshuffle. The move comes at a time when the Ministry of Education continues to face criticism over examination irregularities and growing public protests demanding greater accountability.

Congress Raises Questions Over Appointment

Soon after the appointment was announced, senior Congress leader Pawan Khera launched a sharp attack on the government, alleging that the Centre had chosen an official whose name had earlier figured in a controversial subsidy issue.

According to Khera, the government has “run out of clean faces” to manage the education system, referring to reports that members of Gangwar’s family had received more than ₹1.16 crore in subsidies under a National Horticulture Board (NHB) scheme during the period when he served in senior positions connected with the agriculture sector.

The BJP, however, did not immediately respond to the allegations.

What Was the NHB Subsidy Controversy?

The controversy dates back to reports published earlier this year regarding the Development of Commercial Horticulture through Production and Post-Harvest Management of Horticulture Crops scheme operated by the National Horticulture Board.

According to media reports, Gangwar’s wife, mother and son were linked to multiple cucumber cultivation projects in Rajasthan that collectively received government subsidies worth more than ₹1.16 crore over a five-year period.

While no investigation reportedly established any illegal activity, the issue attracted attention because Gangwar occupied senior administrative positions in the agriculture sector during the same period. Critics argued that the situation created a possible conflict of interest, even though no formal wrongdoing was established.

Vineet Joshi Moved During Education Crisis

The transfer of outgoing Higher Education Secretary Vineet Joshi has also become a political talking point.

Joshi has previously held several high-profile responsibilities, including serving as Director General of the National Testing Agency (NTA), Chairman of CBSE, and acting Chairperson of the University Grants Commission (UGC).

The Opposition has suggested that the reshuffle is linked to mounting criticism over the handling of examination-related issues, particularly the NEET-UG paper leak controversy.

Interestingly, senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram offered a different perspective, arguing that Joshi had been assigned too many crucial responsibilities simultaneously. He questioned why one official was entrusted with multiple important positions at the same time, saying that such concentration of responsibilities placed an unnecessary burden on a single administrator.

ALSO READ : DMK Knocks on Supreme Court’s Door Over Vijay’s Karur Visit, Seeks Gag Order on Ministers in Stampede Probe

Pressure Mounts Over NEET Controversy

The appointment comes as protests linked to the examination controversy continue to gather momentum across the country.

The CJP-led movement, which initially began as a campaign demanding accountability for alleged examination irregularities, has expanded into a nationwide protest seeking stronger action against those responsible and calling for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Facing increasing pressure, the Centre has already announced several measures aimed at restoring confidence in the examination system. These include proposals for fast-track courts, stricter enforcement mechanisms, and a tougher anti-paper leak law to deter future incidents.

Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court continues to hear matters connected to the examination controversy, keeping the issue firmly in the national spotlight.

Political Debate Likely to Continue

With Gangwar now taking charge of one of the country’s most important education portfolios, political attention is expected to remain focused on both his appointment and the government’s handling of the education sector.

As the debate intensifies, the Centre faces the challenge of restoring public trust in India’s examination system while navigating increasing political scrutiny over administrative decisions and ongoing reforms.