TN assembly urges Centreto allow students to medical courses based on Plus Two exam marks(Express Photo/Representation Image)
Unanimously passing a resolution against the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) on Friday, the Tamil Nadu Assembly urged the central government to scrap the test on a national level and approve the state’s NEET exemption Bill.
The development comes at a time when alleged irregularities over this year’s NEET medical entrance test has kicked up a massive political storm. The resolution, proposed by Chief Minister MK Stalin, once again reiterates the state’s longstanding objection to the exam.
Friday’s resolution called for the abolition of the NEET examination system, which it described as “severely affecting the medical education opportunities of rural and underprivileged students and making school education unnecessary”. “The Union Government should immediately approve the NEET exemption draft bill unanimously passed by this Legislative Assembly to admit medical students based on 12th-grade marks. Given that several states are now opposing this examination system which has led to numerous malpractices, the Union Government should amend the National Medical Commission Act to abolish the NEET system at the national level,” the resolution said.
The NEET exemption Bill, formally called the Tamil Nadu Admission to Undergraduate Medical Degree Courses Bill, 2021, proposes making Class 12 marks the criteria for medical school admissions. A major flashpoint between the DMK government and the office of the Tamil Nadu Governor, it is currently pending approval from the President of India. In his speech, Stalin said that the widespread irregularities vindicated Tamil Nadu’s opposition to the medical entrance exam. According to him, introduction of NEET in 2017 had drastically altered the landscape of medical education in the state. “…Rural and underprivileged students who cannot attend coaching classes are unable to succeed in this exam,” he said, adding that the national entrance exam would make it difficult for students in rural areas to pursue a medical education.
Arun Janardhanan Tamil Nadu Correspondent for The Indian Express, a leading national daily newspaper. Based in the state, his work focuses on providing deep, ground-level coverage of Tamil Nadu’s complex political, judicial, and cultural landscape, establishing his high degree of Expertise and Authority in this critical region.
Expertise
Geographic Focus: As the Tamil Nadu Correspondent, Arun covers the state comprehensively, offering readers localized insights into major political shifts and social issues.
Key Coverage Areas: His recent reporting demonstrates in-depth knowledge across several vital beats:
State Politics and Governance: Detailed coverage of the DMK and AIADMK, the rise of new political entrants like actor Vijay’s TVK, internal party dynamics, and federal issues involving the Governor and the Centre.
Legal and Judicial Matters: In-depth reporting on high-profile Madras High Court cases, particularly those involving religious and cultural disputes (e.g., the Madurai temple-dargah row) and legal actions against officials.
Culture and Social Issues: Reporting on the activities of cultural outfits (e.g., Hindu Munnani) and debates surrounding language and cultural priorities.
Disaster and Crisis Reporting: Timely updates on natural calamities like cyclones and their impact on the state, such as the prolonged rains in Chennai. ... Read More
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