Why Tamil Nadu Wants NEET-UG Scrapped; Why DMK, AIADMK Demand State's Own Medical Entrance System | Explained

NEET UG 2024 Paper Leak Row:  It has been three weeks since the National Testing Agency announced the result of the apex medical entrance exam in the country - NEET (UG) 2024. The result, which came out on the same day as the Lok Sabha poll judgement, filled the students with 'disappointment' and 'distrust' as many 'irregularities' started appearing in the NEET UG result from day 1, on June 4. Initially, students were opposed only to the controversy surrounding the unusual 'grace marks' of some candidates. However, soon, an arrest made by Bihar Police opened the pandora's box of discrepancies in the NEET (UG) 2024 exam, unleashing the Djinn of 'paper leak' and whatnot.

Since then, the issue of NEET has grown to take the central stage in national political discourse, partly due to the failure of the National Testing Agency to regain the aspirants' trust, and majorly as two more exams - UGC-NET 2024 & NEET (PG) witnessed the controversies in less than two weeks of NEET UG result announcement.

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The united opposition, which saw a boost in the arm on June 4, has launched an all-out attack on the government crying foul in the NEET UG 2024 exam. While the Congress party has demanded strict action against culprits, re-exam and sacking of the education minister as well as NTA's top rung, the paper leak has sparked Tamil Nadu parties' long-time demand of scrapping the national level medical entrance - National Eligibility cum Entrance Test or the NEET.

Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu MK Stalin termed the NEET 'anti-poor' while accusing the 'excessive centralisation' by the central government for the paper leak and grace marks controversy.

"They undermine federal polity… are against social justice… (and) impact the availability of doctors in deserving areas," he said as quoted by the Hindustan Times.

ALSO READ: Why NEET-PG 2024 Exam Was Postponed And When Will It Be Held Next | Explained

Almost every state party in Tamil Nadu and several regional parties across southern Indian state have always been against the system of conducting nationwide entrance exams for university and college admissions. But why do Tamil Nadu parties, including the ruling DMK and opposition AIADMK, and DMDK oppose NEET and other central examinations?

Why DMK and AIADMK Oppose the NEET Exam

In Tamil Nadu, both the major parties have been opposing the NEET since the very beginning of the entrance test. They oppose the entrance of students in TN's medical colleges due to several reasons which impact the students as well as the state's educational landscape. These are some of the reasons why Tamil Nadu parties demand the abolition of NEET -

1. Against The Principle Of Social Justice

DMK terms the NEET exam as a travesty for poor students hailing from rural areas. These students, often unable to afford the hefty fees of coaching and other resources, fail to secure admission to medical colleges.

ALSO READ: NTA DG Subodh Kumar Singh Removed From Post Amid NEET, UGC-NET Paper Leak Row

2. Against The Spirit Of Federalism

DMK terms it as against the principle of division of power stipulated by the Constitution of India. It has been alleged that the recent controversies find their roots in the over-centralisation of the central government.

3. Against Tamil Nadu's School Education System

Tamil Nadu has a well-established system of testing its board students. The state has been contesting why students should not be given admission to medical colleges based on their 12th-class score.

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4. Against Student's Mental Well-Being And Causes Stress

Another contention by several leaders and experts from the state is that the one-day exam causes undue mental stress to the aspirants. Many cases of 'suicide' by NEET aspirants in the state and across the country have also fueled this charge by the state leaders.

5. Issue Of Language

Earlier, Tamil Nadu political leaders used to allege that the NEET discriminated against students based on their language preference. However, this issue was resolved as it is now available in several languages.