Tamil Nadu Government Faces Setback in NEET Dispute
President Droupadi Murmu has rejected a bill seeking to use 12th-grade marks for medical admissions and exemption from the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). This decision deals a significant blow to the Tamil Nadu government.
Tamil Nadu: The Tamil Nadu government has long advocated for the removal of NEET from the state. The MK Stalin-led government sought to use Class 12th marks as the basis for medical college admissions. However, the central government has rejected this demand. President Droupadi Murmu's disapproval of the NEET exemption bill represents a major setback for the Stalin administration.
Stalin Government's Demand for NEET Exemption
Chief Minister MK Stalin stated in the state assembly that Tamil Nadu passed bills on this matter in 2021 and 2022, which remained pending with the central government. The state government argued that the NEET exam poses a significant barrier for students from rural and underprivileged backgrounds. The government desired medical admissions based on Class 12th marks to benefit state students.
Assembly Resolution
Last June, the Tamil Nadu Assembly unanimously passed a resolution urging the central government to abolish NEET and allow states to use school marks for medical admissions. However, the central government and the President rejected this proposal, dashing the state government's hopes.
Growing Opposition to NEET in Tamil Nadu
NEET faces considerable opposition in Tamil Nadu. The pressure of the exam has led to several student suicides. The recent suicide of a 21-year-old student preparing for the exam sparked a political uproar. AIADMK leader Palaniswami blamed the DMK government, alleging its failure to address students' concerns.
