Chennai, Aug 17:
Anti-NEET protests continued in Chennai on Sunday despite the Tamil Nadu Assembly passing a fresh resolution opposing the medical entrance examination, with activists insisting that only complete abolition of NEET can protect students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Two separate protests are continuing in Tiruvottiyur and Egmore.
In Tiruvottiyur, former Indian Revenue Service officer Balamurugan has been on an indefinite hunger strike since July 27. On Sunday, his fast entered its 20th day. He is demanding exemption for Tamil Nadu from NEET, besides seeking the resignation of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant over his reported remarks concerning cockroaches and Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the alleged assault of students in Delhi.
Concern has grown over Balamurugan’s health as his fast continues. Manirathnam, brother of late medical aspirant S Anitha, visited him and urged the State government to arrange medical examinations and provide a designated venue for the protest. In the absence of a venue, Balamurugan has been continuing his agitation from his home.
Meanwhile, members of the Anti-NEET Federation-Tamil Nadu had earlier called off their 12-day hunger strike after the Assembly adopted the resolution, saying the government had fulfilled one of their demands. The group is also seeking restoration of education to the State List and the eventual abolition of NEET.
A separate sit-in organised by the OG Tamizha collective has continued for 24 days at the Thayagam Complex on Rukmani Lakshmipathi Road in Egmore. The protest is held daily from 3 pm to 9 pm and involves students, educationists and activists. Music, theatre, dance and other art forms are being used to mobilise support under the slogan, “Let’s celebrate resistance.”
Educationist Prince Gajendra Babu and Manirathnam have expressed solidarity with the protesters. The demonstrators have urged Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar to approve the Assembly resolution, maintaining that only a complete ban on NEET would resolve the issue.
An earlier Bill passed in 2024 seeking exemption for Tamil Nadu from NEET did not receive presidential assent.
Moving the latest resolution, Health and Medical Education Minister K G Arunraj said NEET favoured students who could afford expensive coaching and weakened the importance of the school curriculum. He argued that the examination had reduced opportunities for rural, poor and socially disadvantaged students and undermined equality in medical admissions.