“An unwanted additional stress on students”: MK Stalin writes to PM Modi urges him to exempt Tamil Nadu from NEET

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to eliminate the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) from the state amid growing controversy over a recent paper leak. Following a unanimous resolution passed by the Tamil Nadu assembly opposing NEET, Stalin stated in his letter to Modi the state's longstanding demand for exemption from the exam, advocating instead for admissions to medical colleges based solely on 12th standard marks.

"It has been our considered view that the selection process for professional courses should only be through the 12th standard marks rather than through a separate entrance exam, which is an unwanted additional stress on students,” wrote Stalin in his letter.

Highlighting the legislative efforts in Tamil Nadu, Stalin wrote to Narendra Modi that a bill seeking exemption from NEET and a shift to 12th standard marks for medical admissions has been passed by the state assembly and is awaiting Presidential assent. He underscored the detrimental impact of NEET on aspirants, particularly those from rural backgrounds, whose dreams have been shattered by recent irregularities in the exam.

Stalin also reached out to opposition leader Rahul Gandhi seeking support for Tamil Nadu's cause, stating, "This system is also depriving the rural poor youth to fulfil the dreams of becoming a medical graduate." In a broader appeal to several state leaders, Stalin urged them to consider 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,” said Stalin.

The resolution passed by the Tamil Nadu assembly criticized NEET for disadvantaging rural students and rendering school education meaningless in the pursuit of medical careers. Stalin declared after the assembly's decision, "NEET should be removed. Tamil Nadu should be given an exemption. The central government should approve the bill passed by the Assembly allowing Class 12 marks as a necessary qualification to pursue medicine."

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin also wrote to Chief Ministers of Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Punjab, Telangana, and West Bengal, urging them to support the cause and advocate for the abolition of NEET at the national level.

The NEET UG exams for 2024, conducted by the National Testing Agency on May 5, led to widespread student protests following the release of results on June 4. Allegations of irregularities surfaced, including concerns about marking inconsistencies and the allocation of grace marks to students with insufficient exam completion time. Further complicating matters were accusations of paper leaks. Responding to public outcry, the initially awarded grace marks were revoked, prompting a retest on June 23 that saw 813 out of 1563 eligible candidates opting to participate. Concurrently, Bihar police arrested suspects allegedly involved in the paper leak for financial gain. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has launched a thorough investigation into the entire incident. In response to the NEET UG controversy, the NEET PG exams scheduled for June 23 were postponed abruptly. The Union Health Ministry has assured students that new dates for NEET PG will be announced soon.