VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html H-1B $100,000 fee struck down as illegal: What happens next? Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann declared zero paper leaks in the state since 2022, contrasting with 93 national incidents since 2017. He highlighted merit-based recruitment, creating 67,037 government jobs. Mann also emphasized Punjab’s rise to number one in school education, citing investments in infrastructure and teacher training, and the success of ‘Schools of Eminence’. CHANDIGARH: Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday said the state has not witnessed a single paper leak incident since his government came to power in 2022, even as 93 exam papers were leaked in the country since 2017.Speaking at an event where he handed over appointment letters to 355 employees newly recruited to different government departments, Mann asserted that his administration conducted exams in a transparent manner and gave jobs on merit.Highlighting the state government’s vision for empowerment of youth, Mann said opportunities were being created to encourage young people to stay, grow and succeed in Punjab.He said reverse migration has begun in the state, a pathway has been created for regularisation of 65,000 contractual employees, and major investments have been made in skill development through 25 new ITIs and the upgradation of 13 existing institutes.Drawing parallels between the recruitment process adopted by his government and the situation elsewhere in the country, Mann said, “Our Central government could not conduct a NEET exam. Since 2017, question papers of around 93 examinations have been leaked across the country. Such incidents involving major examinations, including NEET, have disappointed and demoralised lakhs of youths.”However, he said, not a single such incident took place in Punjab since his government came to power in 2022. Meritorious students are getting opportunities because an honest government is working in the state, he said.The National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (Undergraduate) held on May 3 was cancelled following allegations of irregularities in the examination process and suspected paper leak.Mann said his administration has so far provided 67,037 government jobs completely on merit and every appointment was made without corruption, nepotism or favouritism.Mann said Punjab has witnessed a remarkable transformation in the education sector.”When our government assumed office, Punjab was ranked 27th in the country in school education. Today, according to NITI Aayog, Punjab is the number one state in school education, surpassing states like Kerala. This was made possible by our investment in strengthening government schools and the creation of world-class educational infrastructure,” he said.Schools across Punjab are now equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and modern infrastructure, creating an environment that encourages learning, innovation and excellence, he said.Mann said government schools in Punjab now have teachers with world-class training.”Our principals and education officers have received world-class training in Singapore. Head teachers have undergone advanced training at IIM Ahmedabad. Primary teachers have received specialised training at Turku University in Finland,” he said, adding that the objective behind facilitating this was to enhance the expertise of teachers so that students in government schools receive the highest quality education.Mann said the Punjab government has established 118 ‘Schools of Eminence’ for children from ordinary and underprivileged backgrounds.”These Schools of Eminence are creating opportunities that were previously unavailable to many students. Students from private schools are now taking admission in these schools. This is proof of the trust people have developed in the government education system,” he said.The chief minister said students in these institutions are being provided specialised coaching for Armed Forces preparatory programmes, and competitive examinations such as NEET, JEE, CLAT and NIFT.”We are preparing our children not merely to pass examinations but to compete successfully at the national level and secure leadership positions in every field,” he said.On technical education and skill development, the chief minister said his government is making determined efforts to create a highly skilled and future-ready workforce capable of meeting the demands of modern industries and emerging technologies.”We have undertaken transformative initiatives to strengthen technical education and enhance the employability of the youth. Construction of 25 new Industrial Training Institutes is currently underway. At the same time, 13 existing ITIs are being upgraded with better infrastructure and modern facilities,” he said.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosInternet Cut, Drones Deployed As Jaipur Widens Key Road Amid Encroachment Row | WatchTMC Rift Deepens As Mahua Targets Yusuf Pathan After MPs Back NDA Alignment | WatchINDIA Bloc Meet: Alliance Partners Challenge Congress’ Leadership & ‘Cross Comments’ During PollsKakoli Ghosh Hits Out At TMC Over Bengal’s Decline, Claims 20 MPs Support Separate TMC FactionPraggnanandhaa Surprised By CM Vijay’s Chess Skills During Felicitation Ceremony | WatchDelhi Hotel Fire Tragedy: Jai Mishra Surrenders In Court, Lovekesh Bajaj Gets 2-Day Police Remand20 TMC MPs Write To Speaker, Express Desire To Support BJP-Led NDA | WatchKunal Ghosh Questions Reports Of 20 TMC MPs Backing NDA, Says Voters Won’t ApproveSambit Patra Compares Akhilesh’s Future To Mamata’s, Mocks INDIA BlocGovt Launches 2 Major Schemes To Boost Road Accident Rescue Efforts123PhotostoriesPeople will instantly take you more seriously when you start doing these 10 things10 subtle signs someone may be jealous of you, as per psychologyWant your kids to spend less time on screens? Try these 5 simple parenting shifts that actually workWhat happens to your body when muscle mass starts declining after 35?Cricketer Devdutt Padikkal’s crores-worth residence in Bangalore is a luxurious retreat reflecting his cricketing success and hard workLittle Indias around the world” Countries with the largest Indian diasporasJennifer Winget’s style on TV: How every character she played had its own fashion languageFrom Tigers to Jaguars: 10 iconic safari adventures around the world9 ‘Chanakya Neeti’ by Kautilya every child must know for guaranteed success in lifeWhat is the Blended Learning Model? 8 must-know facts for parents to support their child123Hot PicksMalviya Nagar Hotel FireEmiliano MartínezUKSSSC Patwari Admit CardIran AttackShubman GillDianna Russini ScandalDU Professor MurderNFL Trade RumorOJEE Result 2026Top TrendingStock Market TodayStock market crashJaipur internet banIndia vs Afghanistan ScoreDriving Licence ValidityDelhi ITI admission 2026Sukhendu Sekhar Roy ResignationGurgaon Double MurderKerala HSCAP resultDU Professor Murder Yatin Karyekar reveals he rejected his original role in Munna Bhai M.B.B.S., convinced Rajkumar Hirani to cast him as Anand Bhai There are only 4 American states that begin with the letter ‘W’, and they hide some of the world’s most iconic wonders ‘Almost got into a fight’: Donald Trump-Netanyahu tensions flare over Lebanon Indian-origin restaurant owner in Texas says she doesn’t hire Indians: ‘Our team doesn’t come from the same culture’ US judge strikes down Donald Trump’s $100k visa fee, calls it unlawful ‘No visa laws that target India’: What US official recently said on H-1B woes Amit Shah chairs meeting on Yamuna rejuvenation, pushes for coordinated clean-up plan | India News Jun 08, 2026, 22:42 IST Nightclub controversy! Ben Stokes, Gus Atkinson face ECB probe ahead of second New Zealand Test People will instantly take you more seriously when you start doing these 10 things Bajaj Allianz wins mediclaim dispute after investigator finds hospital records were manipulated Trump’s Middle East peace remains under construction and Israel and Iran shoot at each other NEW DELHI: The presence of the Cockroach Janata Party was felt at the INDIA bloc meeting even though none of its Generation Z leaders were present at the table during the opposition huddle.During the meeting, the CJP was not part of the formal agenda, but was referred to by several leaders in their presentations, news agency PTI reported, citing sources.Leaders who were present at the meeting told PTI that the opposition was divided over the intent and potential of the Cockroach Janata Party. While some leaders raised concerns over the nature of the movement and doubted whether there could be political motives behind it, others were of the opinion that the development reflected genuine dissatisfaction among young people.”There were some concerns about the real intent,” an opposition leader told PTI.”Generally, the view was that it should be seen as a healthy sign of dissent and disapproval of youngsters against the system,” they added.According to the sources, Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and National Conference leader Omar Abdullah supported the CJP and said that it was “doing something right.” He even suggested opposition parties should engage with them.”Let’s associate with them, they must be doing something right,” Abdullah said, according to sources.TMC chief Mamata Banerjee also backed the CJP and said that while parties continue to fight political battles, there is also a need to encourage civil movements.CPML Liberation general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya appeared to be more hopeful about the phenomenon, while several others expressed reservations.Another source told PTI that Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray also referred to the movement, saying such support for it indicated that there was space for dissent in society.While opinions differed on the origins and trajectory of the movement, sources said leaders across parties broadly agreed that the issues being raised by students and young people deserved attention.Another opposition leader said the subject came up repeatedly despite never being part of the agenda.”The so-called Cockroach Party found a place in the discussion. Different leaders referred to it while delivering their presentations. There were different opinions,” the leader said.According to sources, some leaders felt emerging platforms like the CJP were increasingly attracting attention in spaces traditionally occupied by opposition parties.”Some doubted the scale of participation, its future and its reach. But the majority felt it reflected something and that political parties should look at that,” another leader said.The Cockroach Janata Party, or CJP, emerged in recent weeks as a youth-led movement protesting against alleged irregularities in competitive exams and demanding broader reforms in the education system.The group has drawn attention through social media campaigns and public demonstrations, including a recent protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar that attracted significant participation.About the AuthorRohitashwa RanjanRohitashwa Ranjan is a digital journalist with The Times of India, where he decodes Indian politics as a carefully staged production with scripts, subtext and everything behind. His work tracks elections, party dynamics and the things that often are buried beneath the headlines. When not parsing vote shares or alliances, he is usually reading between the lines, where the real story tends to reside.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosINDIA Bloc Meet: Alliance Partners Challenge Congress’ Leadership & ‘Cross Comments’ During PollsKakoli Ghosh Hits Out At TMC Over Bengal’s Decline, Claims 20 MPs Support Separate TMC FactionPraggnanandhaa Surprised By CM Vijay’s Chess Skills During Felicitation Ceremony | WatchDelhi Hotel Fire Tragedy: Jai Mishra Surrenders In Court, Lovekesh Bajaj Gets 2-Day Police Remand20 TMC MPs Write To Speaker, Express Desire To Support BJP-Led NDA | WatchKunal Ghosh Questions Reports Of 20 TMC MPs Backing NDA, Says Voters Won’t ApproveSambit Patra Compares Akhilesh’s Future To Mamata’s, Mocks INDIA BlocGovt Launches 2 Major Schemes To Boost Road Accident Rescue EffortsFive Key Resolutions: INDIA Bloc Targets SIR, Economy, Exams And Farmers’ IssuesHow India’s Zojila Tunnel Will Rewrite High-Altitude Engineering Records123Photostories10 subtle signs someone may be jealous of you, as per psychologyWant your kids to spend less time on screens? Try these 5 simple parenting shifts that actually workWhat happens to your body when muscle mass starts declining after 35?Cricketer Devdutt Padikkal’s crores-worth residence in Bangalore is a luxurious retreat reflecting his cricketing success and hard workLittle Indias around the world” Countries with the largest Indian diasporasJennifer Winget’s style on TV: How every character she played had its own fashion languageFrom Tigers to Jaguars: 10 iconic safari adventures around the world9 ‘Chanakya Neeti’ by Kautilya every child must know for guaranteed success in lifeWhat is the Blended Learning Model? 8 must-know facts for parents to support their child10 window glass design ideas that instantly upgrade your home123Hot PicksMalviya Nagar Hotel FireEmiliano MartínezUKSSSC Patwari Admit CardIran AttackShubman GillDianna Russini ScandalDU Professor MurderNFL Trade RumorOJEE Result 2026Top TrendingStock Market TodayStock market crashJaipur internet banIndia vs Afghanistan ScoreDriving Licence ValidityDelhi ITI admission 2026Sukhendu Sekhar Roy ResignationGurgaon Double MurderKerala HSCAP resultDU Professor Murder ‘Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai’ box office collection Day 4: Varun Dhawan film nets Rs 27.50 crore on first Monday Court orders 10 free biriyani plates for five Sundays after man finds dead insect in food US warplane strikes, disables oil tanker near Oman; crew of 24 Indians evacuated US sanctioned vessel catches fire, 24 Indian crew members evacuated Disinvestment push: Government to sell up to 3% stake in NLC India at Rs 303 per share Jaya Bachchan reacts to objectification of women onscreen amid Janhvi Kapoor’s ‘Peddi’ row: ‘Nobody dared to..’ Explained: Why India-Afghanistan Test ended with only nine wickets down | Cricket News They are not illegal aliens: 12 Indians involved with ‘criminal tourism’ in Canada, they came to steal NEW DELHI: The first major INDIA bloc meeting since the 2024 Lok Sabha elections saw several opposition allies deliver a pointed message to the Congress: be more “large-hearted” and adopt a more accommodating approach towards regional partners, news agency PTI reported, quoting sources.From the CPM’s objections to Congress’s Kerala campaign rhetoric to concerns over the DMK’s estrangement from the alliance, the grand old party was told to show a “large heart” in dealing with regional allies, according to sources cited by news agency PTI.The discussion ended with Rahul Gandhi acknowledging the concerns and assuring allies that Congress would work to keep the coalition together. “As the biggest party here, we will have all the love and affection to unite this team,” Rahul Gandhi said, according to leaders present at the meeting, PTI reported.Mamata’s new toneOne of the strongest interventions came from Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee, whose remarks marked a significant shift from her earlier positioning within the opposition alliance.According to PTI, Banerjee urged INDIA bloc partners to avoid publicly attacking one another.”We should try not to criticise each other,” she told the gathering, according to a leader who attended the meeting.The appeal represented a notable departure for the TMC chief, who had often questioned Congress’s ability to lead the opposition and repeatedly stressed that her party was not an electoral ally of the Congress unlike the DMK.Sources told PTI that Banerjee, who has adopted a more conciliatory approach after the TMC’s defeat in West Bengal and the subsequent turmoil within her party, also called for greater engagement with civil society movements and indicated her willingness to help strengthen the alliance’s organisational structure.Before the meeting began, Banerjee and Congress parliamentary party chairperson Sonia Gandhi held a nearly 10-minute conversation, sources said. A photograph of the two leaders embracing later emerged as one of the defining images of the meeting.CPM targets Kerala campaign remarksThe sharpest criticism of Congress came from CPM Rajya Sabha leader John Brittas, who represented the party in the absence of general secretary MA Baby.According to PTI, Brittas raised allegations made by senior Congress leaders during the Kerala assembly election campaign that the Left Democratic Front had a tacit understanding with the BJP.He argued that Congress, as the largest constituent of the INDIA bloc, should take a broader view of national politics and not allow state-level electoral battles to undermine opposition unity.Sources told PTI that Brittas said criticism from Congress leaders was one thing, but such allegations carried greater significance when made by Rahul Gandhi, one of the principal faces of the opposition alliance.He reportedly asked what purpose was served by parties sitting together to fight the BJP if one ally simultaneously accused another of helping the ruling party.Brittas also reminded the gathering that the CPM had supported the Congress-led UPA government after the 2004 Lok Sabha elections to keep the BJP out of power and did not require any certification from Congress regarding its anti-BJP credentials.Akhilesh’s message to CongressSamajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav broadened the conversation to the future of the alliance itself.According to PTI, Akhilesh stressed the need to reduce friction within the coalition and urged Congress to show a “large heart” while dealing with allies. The remark was seen as carrying significance beyond the immediate discussion, particularly with Uttar Pradesh heading towards assembly elections next year and seat-sharing talks expected to become a major issue.Sources said Akhilesh was also among those who criticised the developments that led to the DMK staying away from Monday’s meeting. He is also learnt to have echoed Brittas’s criticism of Congress’s campaign attacks on former Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan.Referring to West Bengal, Akhilesh Yadav argued that those who believed Mamata Banerjee had simply been defeated were mistaken, suggesting that institutional factors had played a role.”Mamata Banerjee said she was 90 per cent sure that she was robbed of the mandate. Akhilesh Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav said they were 40 per cent convinced. Rahul Gandhi said he was 100 per cent sure that the recent elections were stolen,” an MP who attended the nearly three-hour-long meeting said.DMK’s shadow looms largeAlthough absent, the DMK was one of the most discussed subjects in the room.Several leaders expressed concern over the circumstances that led to the Tamil Nadu party distancing itself from the alliance.The DMK has accused Congress of “betrayal” after its decision to align with Vijay’s TVK following the Tamil Nadu assembly elections. The issue surfaced repeatedly during the meeting, reflecting concerns that the opposition coalition could ill afford further fractures after losing key regional strongholds in recent elections.Congress is the ‘glue’Interestingly, even as allies criticised Congress, they simultaneously acknowledged its central role within the coalition.National Conference leader Omar Abdullah reportedly told the meeting that Congress was the “glue” holding the INDIA bloc together and that alliance partners needed to recognise that reality.According to PTI, Abdullah argued that the opposition had already achieved something significant by preventing the BJP from securing a majority on its own in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and should build on that achievement rather than dwell on recent setbacks.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosINDIA Bloc Meet: Alliance Partners Challenge Congress’ Leadership & ‘Cross Comments’ During PollsKakoli Ghosh Hits Out At TMC Over Bengal’s Decline, Claims 20 MPs Support Separate TMC FactionPraggnanandhaa Surprised By CM Vijay’s Chess Skills During Felicitation Ceremony | WatchDelhi Hotel Fire Tragedy: Jai Mishra Surrenders In Court, Lovekesh Bajaj Gets 2-Day Police Remand20 TMC MPs Write To Speaker, Express Desire To Support BJP-Led NDA | WatchKunal Ghosh Questions Reports Of 20 TMC MPs Backing NDA, Says Voters Won’t ApproveSambit Patra Compares Akhilesh’s Future To Mamata’s, Mocks INDIA BlocGovt Launches 2 Major Schemes To Boost Road Accident Rescue EffortsFive Key Resolutions: INDIA Bloc Targets SIR, Economy, Exams And Farmers’ IssuesHow India’s Zojila Tunnel Will Rewrite High-Altitude Engineering Records123Photostories10 subtle signs someone may be jealous of you, as per psychologyWant your kids to spend less time on screens? Try these 5 simple parenting shifts that actually workWhat happens to your body when muscle mass starts declining after 35?Cricketer Devdutt Padikkal’s crores-worth residence in Bangalore is a luxurious retreat reflecting his cricketing success and hard workLittle Indias around the world” Countries with the largest Indian diasporasJennifer Winget’s style on TV: How every character she played had its own fashion languageFrom Tigers to Jaguars: 10 iconic safari adventures around the world9 ‘Chanakya Neeti’ by Kautilya every child must know for guaranteed success in lifeWhat is the Blended Learning Model? 8 must-know facts for parents to support their child10 window glass design ideas that instantly upgrade your home123Hot PicksMalviya Nagar Hotel FireEmiliano MartínezUKSSSC Patwari Admit CardIran AttackShubman GillDianna Russini ScandalDU Professor MurderNFL Trade RumorOJEE Result 2026Top TrendingStock Market TodayStock market crashJaipur internet banIndia vs Afghanistan ScoreDriving Licence ValidityDelhi ITI admission 2026Sukhendu Sekhar Roy ResignationGurgaon Double MurderKerala HSCAP resultDU Professor Murder Farah Khan recalls ditching Shah Rukh Khan’s performance to meet Michael Jackson: ‘He said, “Such a powerful name”‘ Several Indian workers killed in Dubai after minibus hits truck Rupee reverses RBI-driven gains, falls 43 paise to 95.61 against US dollar Times Priyanka Chopra spoke about her late father: ‘He was my biggest cheerleader, the loudest guy in the room’ | India coach ‘doesn’t know’ if Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya have cleared fitness tests | Cricket News Quote of the day by American astronomer Marc Aaronson: “If we are going to die anyway…why be cautious? 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