NEET Controversy: DMK Proposes Abolition of Exam and NTA in Rajya Sabha
Pune, 2nd August 2024: The debate over the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) has intensified with a new proposal in the Rajya Sabha. On Friday, DMK Member of Parliament M. Mohammed Abdullah introduced a private bill seeking the abolition of NEET and the National Testing Agency (NTA). The bill also calls for removing education from the concurrent list of the Constitution and allowing states to manage medical entrance exams. This move aims to address perceived issues with NEET and its administration.
The proposal presented by Abdullah argues that NEET and NTA have been flawed, citing problems such as paper leaks, irresponsible allocation of grace marks, and adverse effects on students. Abdullah’s bill advocates for a legislative change to shift education to the state list, enabling state governments to set their criteria for medical admissions. The proposal was made during the private members’ business session in the Rajya Sabha, amid resistance from the government.
In response, BJP MPs have criticized the proposal, arguing that it contradicts the Supreme Court’s decisions on NEET. BJP MP Ghanshyam Tiwari stated that discussing the abolition of NEET and NTA in the Rajya Sabha would undermine the Supreme Court’s rulings, calling it a violation of judicial decisions.
The NEET, conducted by the NTA, is a crucial examination for admissions to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and other medical courses in India. The ongoing controversy reflects broader debates about the examination’s fairness and the role of centralized testing agencies. The outcome of this proposal could significantly impact the future of medical entrance examinations in India.
