Continuing his relentless campaign against the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has reached out to his counterparts in opposition-ruled states, urging them to adopt a resolution against the national-level test. This move follows the Tamil Nadu Assembly’s unanimous adoption of a resolution on Friday seeking exemption from NEET.In his letter, dispatched shortly after the resolution’s adoption and subsequent correspondence with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Stalin highlighted alleged irregularities surrounding NEET-UG 2024. He asserted that these irregularities have “exposed the weaknesses of the National Testing Agency (NTA) and also shattered the dreams of thousands of students who had appeared for the NEET exam.”
The identical letters were sent to the chief ministers of Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Punjab, Telangana, and West Bengal, encouraging them to take similar action in their states.
The Tamil Nadu State Assembly’s resolution seeks exemption from NEET exams for the state, advocating for medical admissions to be based on Class 12 marks, a system that had been in place for decades. Stalin informed the INDIA bloc Chief Ministers that the resolution also called on the central government to amend the National Medical Commission Act to abolish the NEET system altogether.
Stalin emphasized the gravity of the issue in his letter, urging his counterparts to pass similar resolutions in their state legislative assemblies. “Considering the importance and seriousness of the issue, I request you to consider passing a similar resolution in your State Legislative Assembly also to urge the Union Government to abolish the NEET Exams in the interest of the students of our States,” he wrote.
This coordinated effort reflects a broader opposition to NEET, which has been a contentious issue in various states. Critics argue that the exam disproportionately affects students from certain regions and socio-economic backgrounds. By rallying other states to pass resolutions against NEET, Stalin aims to build a unified front to pressure the central government into reconsidering the examination system.
The outcome of this campaign could significantly impact the future of medical admissions in India, potentially restoring state-level control over the admission process. The move also underscores the ongoing political battle over educational reforms and centralization in India.
As states deliberate on Stalin’s request, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether a collective opposition can sway the central government’s stance on NEET.