Amidst controversies surrounding the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test-Undergraduate 2024 (NEET-UG), Sitaram Yechury, General Secretary of CPI(M), has called for the scrapping of the National Testing Agency (NTA), responsible for conducting the exams. Yechury criticised the agency, alleging widespread irregularities that have adversely affected millions of aspiring students across India.
Yechury emphasised the suffering of "crores of our students," who he described as the future of the nation, due to what he termed as the government's negligence. He demanded accountability, specifically calling for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in light of the ongoing issues with NEET-UG.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has declined to halt the counselling process for NEET-UG 2024 despite multiple pleas and has issued a notice to NTA. The court, represented by Justices Vikram Nath and SVN Bhatti, has consolidated various petitions and scheduled them for hearing on July 8, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Earlier, the apex court responded to NTA's plea seeking the transfer of NEET-UG 2024-related cases from high courts to the Supreme Court. It has also stayed proceedings in several high courts following allegations of question paper leaks and other malpractices.
Despite the controversies, the Supreme Court affirmed its stance not to disrupt the counselling process, while also addressing concerns raised by students who faced disruptions during the exam at the Meghalaya centre. These students, who allegedly lost 45 minutes, petitioned to join the group awarded grace marks, highlighting the complexities faced by exam takers.
The NEET-UG 2024, held on May 5, declared results earlier than anticipated, on June 4, triggering protests over alleged irregularities and paper leaks. Out of the candidates, 67 achieved a perfect score of 720, prompting further scrutiny and petitions for re-evaluation.
Responding to the uproar, the Supreme Court has permitted a re-test for more than 1,500 students who received grace marks, aiming to uphold fairness and transparency in the admission process for medical, dental, and related courses across India.
As the controversy unfolds, the NTA has assured the Supreme Court that it will invalidate the scorecards of 1563 candidates awarded grace marks, offering them the choice to reappear for the exam on June 23 with results expected before June 30. This move is intended to address concerns raised regarding the integrity of the evaluation process.
The NEET-UG examination remains pivotal for students aspiring to join MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and other allied courses in both government and private institutions nationwide. Despite the challenges, the focus remains on ensuring equal opportunities and maintaining the credibility of the examination process amidst ongoing scrutiny and legal proceedings.
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