Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav amidst the ongoing controversy surrounding the NEET examination 2024. Pradhan accused both leaders of shedding "crocodile tears" over the alleged irregularities in the exam.
Pradhan took to social media platform X to express his views, stating that the ground realities during the UPA regime and Akhilesh Yadav's tenure as Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh would expose numerous instances of malpractice. He further criticised Rahul Gandhi for his alleged inaction during his party's time in power, particularly in failing to implement the Prohibition of Unfair Practices Bill, 2010.
Rahul Gandhi had earlier called out the Education Minister and the government for not addressing the NEET issue adequately. He emphasised the importance of NEET for the youth and criticised the government's reluctance to discuss the matter in Parliament.
Gandhi stated that millions of students believe that the examination system is fundamentally flawed and demanded to know what steps the Education Ministry is taking to address the systemic issues.
In his response, Pradhan suggested that Rahul Gandhi was well-versed in the "fundamentals and maths of unfair practices," which he implied was the reason for the Congress party's failure to curb irregularities in educational institutions.
Pradhan challenged Gandhi to explain why the Congress government did not bring laws to address these issues despite the pressure and compulsions they faced.
During the Budget Session in the Lok Sabha, Gandhi questioned Pradhan about the steps being taken to fix the systemic problems in the examination system. He highlighted that the problem was not limited to NEET but extended to all major examinations in the country. Gandhi stressed the need for a comprehensive approach to address these issues and demanded transparency and accountability from the government.
The controversy around the NEET examination has sparked significant debate, with allegations of paper leaks and unfair practices undermining the credibility of the exam.
Students and parents across the country have raised concerns about the integrity of the examination process, calling for reforms to ensure a fair and transparent system.
The NEET examination is crucial for students aspiring to pursue medical education in India. Any irregularities in the exam can have far-reaching consequences for their future. The government's response to these allegations and the steps it takes to address the systemic issues will be closely watched by all stakeholders.
The Education Minister's criticism of Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav has added a political dimension to the controversy. It remains to be seen how the government will address the concerns raised by the opposition and whether any concrete measures will be implemented to reform the examination system.
As the Budget Session continues, the NEET issue is likely to remain a focal point of discussion. The government's actions and responses will play a crucial role in shaping public perception and restoring confidence in the examination process.
Students, parents, and educators will be keenly observing the developments, hoping for a resolution that ensures the integrity and fairness of the examination system in India.