Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Seeks NEET Exemption, Highlights Student Stress

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has reiterated his appeal to the Centre to exempt the state from the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) for medical college admissions. In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Stalin argued that professional course selections should be based on 12th standard marks instead of a separate entrance exam, which he described as an unnecessary burden on students.

Support from Other States

Stalin has also reached out to his counterparts in Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Punjab, Telangana, and West Bengal. He urged them to consider passing similar resolutions in their respective assemblies to abolish NEET. "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," Stalin stated in his letters.

The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly had previously passed a Bill unanimously to exempt the state from NEET and to base medical admissions on 12th standard marks. This Bill has been sent for Presidential assent, which is still pending. Stalin mentioned this in his letter to PM Modi and highlighted that other states have also begun voicing their concerns about NEET.

Irregularities in NEET Exam

Stalin pointed out recent irregularities during the NEET exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). He said these issues have validated Tamil Nadu's opposition to NEET. "The recent reports of irregularities in the examination conducted by the NTA have shattered the dreams of many hard-working aspirants of medical courses in the country," he wrote.

In addition to writing to PM Modi, Stalin also sought support from Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha. He requested Gandhi's backing for Tamil Nadu's demand for NEET exemption and mentioned the resolution passed by the state assembly. "I request you to voice this concern and the demand of Tamil Nadu in Parliament and also suggest to the states that are in the INDIA alliance to pass similar resolutions in their respective assemblies in the interest of the youth of the nation," Stalin told Gandhi.

Resolution Passed

On Friday, Tamil Nadu's Legislative Assembly passed a unanimous resolution urging the Union Government to assent to their Bill for NEET exemption. The resolution also called for amending the National Medical Commission Act to eliminate this selection process at a national level. Stalin emphasized that this system deprives rural poor youth of fulfilling their dreams of becoming medical graduates.

Stalin's efforts reflect a growing sentiment among various states against NEET. By seeking support from other state leaders and national figures like Rahul Gandhi, he aims to build a broader coalition advocating for changes in medical college admission processes across India.