Chennai, Aug 6:
Expressing its strong opposition and citing various irregularities and question paper leaks at the National level, the Tamil Nadu government on Wednesday urged the Centre to cancel NEET exams and revert back to UG medical admissions based on marks secured in Plus-2 board exams.
Presenting the maiden budget of the TVK government in the State Assembly, Finance Minister N Marie Wilson said TN strongly opposes the NEET examination as various irregularities and question paper leaks at the national level have severely affected the higher education prospects of the next generation.
“The Government of Tamil Nadu therefore urges the union Government to immediately cancel the NEET examination system and revert to medical education admissions based on the earlier system of Class XII public examination marks”, he said.
Announcing a new “Vetri Laptop Scheme” for college students, the Minister said laptop has become an indispensable information technology device for students pursuing higher education. In today’s rapidly advancing digital era, laptops are invaluable assets for students to sharpen their technical expertise, undergo skill development training, and make effective use of their time.
“Recognising this, our Government will implement the ‘Vetri Laptop Scheme’ for college students. With an allocation of Rs.2,000 crore, this initiative aims to equip students with laptops as an essential learning resource”, he said.
Wilson also announced that to transform student accommodation across the State, the TVK Government will establish the Tamil Nadu Student Housing and Infrastructure Corporation’ (TNSHIC) as a dedicated Special Purpose Vehicle, with an initial equity infusion of Rs.10 crore. Under the flagship ‘TN-SUDAR’ (State Upgradation, Development and Advancement of student Residences) initiative,
200 Integrated Student Hostels, delivering one lakh modern beds, would be constructed across major educational hubs.
This project will be executed through a de-risked Public-Private Partnership (DBFOT) model, with an estimated capital outlay of Rs.3,200 crore, supported by a 20 per cent State Capital Construction Grant of Rs.640 crore, phased over the next two fiscal years.
It will replace segregated housing with integrated, high-amenity campuses featuring fully air-conditioned study hubs, 24×7 security, hygienic kitchens and an automated allocation framework designed to ensure diversity and social parity. In the years to come, TN-SUDAR will help integrate youth across diverse communities and faiths.
A specialised Government Law College, offering advanced legal education on par with a School of Excellence in Law, will be established in the academic year 2027-28 at Madurai, with an intake of 300 students, the Minister said.