Actor and environmental activist Dia Mirza has expressed disappointment over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent remarks on the NEET paper leak controversy, saying his statement did not adequately address the concerns raised by students protesting across the country. Reacting to the Prime Minister’s comments following the nationwide agitation, Dia said the government’s response had “missed the point” of the movement, which she believes is rooted in students’ demand for accountability, transparency and trust in the education system.
The actor shared her views on social media shortly after the Prime Minister announced measures to tackle examination irregularities, including the creation of fast-track courts to ensure swift punishment for those involved in paper leak cases. While acknowledging the announcement, Dia suggested that the measures did not fully address the emotional and institutional crisis that students have been highlighting through weeks of peaceful protests.
In her statement, Dia said the issue was far bigger than punishing a handful of individuals. According to her, millions of students invest years of hard work and hope into competitive examinations, and any breach of the system shakes their confidence in the country’s educational institutions. She urged those in positions of authority to listen more closely to the voices of students rather than reducing the debate to administrative action alone.
The protests, which began over allegations of irregularities in the NEET examination, have evolved into a larger movement demanding reforms in India’s examination system. Education reformer Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike added significant momentum to the campaign, while demonstrations in Delhi and several other cities drew thousands of students and supporters. Although Wangchuk recently ended his fast after government assurances, protest organisers have maintained that the movement will continue until broader reforms are implemented.
Dia has been among the most vocal film personalities supporting the student movement. In recent days, she has repeatedly shared updates from the protests, condemned the use of force against demonstrators and urged authorities to engage with students through dialogue instead of confrontation. Her latest remarks continue that line of support, emphasising empathy for young people who feel their future has been jeopardised by repeated examination controversies.
The Prime Minister, meanwhile, announced a series of measures aimed at restoring confidence in the examination process. Besides promising fast-track courts, he assured strict punishment for officials and individuals found responsible for question paper leaks. However, the government has ruled out removing Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, a key demand of several protest groups.
Dia’s comments have sparked widespread discussion online. While many users appreciated her for standing with students and highlighting the need for systemic reforms, others argued that the government’s announcement represented a significant step towards addressing the crisis. The differing reactions reflect the polarised public debate surrounding the protests and the government’s response.
The actor joins a growing list of celebrities who have weighed in on the issue. Salman Khan, Anupam Kher, Naseeruddin Shah, Riteish Deshmukh, Genelia Deshmukh, Ayesha Khan, Vishal Dadlani, Prakash Raj and several others have publicly expressed support for students or commented on the handling of the demonstrations. Their statements have amplified public attention on the movement and encouraged broader discussions about educational reforms.
As demonstrations continue in different parts of the country, Dia reiterated that restoring trust should remain the government’s highest priority. According to the actor, students are not merely asking for punishment after irregularities occur but are demanding a system in which such incidents do not happen in the first place. She stressed that meaningful reform requires listening to those directly affected and ensuring that every aspirant can compete on a fair and transparent platform.
Her remarks have added another prominent voice to the ongoing conversation surrounding one of the country’s biggest student movements in recent years, underscoring the growing demand for lasting reforms in India’s competitive examination system.