Pune: Poona Parsee Panchayat Urges NEET-UG to Recognize Parsi-Zoroastrians as Minority Candidates

Pune, 23 rd July 2025: A renewed call for minority inclusion has emerged from Pune’s Parsi-Zoroastrian community as the Poona Parsee Panchayat formally appealed to the authorities to recognize Parsi-Zoroastrians under the minority category in national admission forms, including NEET-UG and JEE. The community, though constitutionally recognized as a minority under Article 30, has been consistently left out of the dropdowns and categories in educational entrance forms and counseling portals—leading to concerns over systemic exclusion and denied opportunities.

In an official letter, Adv. Marazban Irani, Chairman of the Poona Parsee Panchayat, expressed deep concern over the omission. “Though officially recognized as a minority by the Government of India, the Zoroastrian community is not specifically included under the minority category for consideration in reserved seats or other minority-related benefits,” the letter noted. It further highlighted that such exclusion severely impacts equal educational access, especially in competitive environments like medical and engineering admissions.

Adding to the appeal, Dr. Yasmeen Sethna—a practicing doctor affiliated with Ruby Hall Clinic, Jehangir Hospital, and a mother of an NEET-UG 2025 aspirant—voiced her frustration over the omission. “This is a violation of our fundamental rights. My daughter, an 18-year-old Parsi candidate, was shocked to find that ‘Parsi Zoroastrian’ does not appear on the NEET-UG minority roster. Despite being protected under Article 30(1) and acknowledged by the National Commission for Minorities, we are being denied our rightful benefits,” she stated.
Dr. Sethna issued an urgent three-point request to the Ministry of Education and National Testing Agency (NTA):
Immediate Amendment: Add “Parsi Zoroastrian” to the NEET-UG application and counseling portal’s minority category list.

Official Circular: Instruct all state and central medical institutions to recognize Parsi-Zoroastrians as a minority group entitled to reserved provisions.

Oversight Mechanism: Form a monitoring committee to ensure no constitutionally recognized minority is excluded from national-level entrance examinations in the future.

“With admissions already in progress, further delay could jeopardize the academic futures of countless Parsi students,” Dr. Sethna added, emphasizing her willingness to provide any official documentation or legal opinion to support the immediate implementation of these corrections.

The Poona Parsee Panchayat has appealed for institutional fairness and inclusive education policies, urging a timely and affirmative response from authorities.