News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/8th July 2024
On Monday, the India Youth Front (IYF), an umbrella organization representing the youth wings of INDIA bloc parties, held a protest at Jantar Mantar against alleged irregularities in various exams, focusing on the controversy-ridden National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). This demonstration followed a press conference held last week by Indian Youth Congress president Srinivas BV, who announced the protest against paper leaks in the medical entrance exam.
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET-UG) was conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on May 5, with approximately 24 lakh candidates participating. However, the exam has been marred by controversies and allegations of paper leaks, prompting widespread concern among students and their families.
Srinivas BV emphasized the need for transparency and integrity in the examination process, highlighting the adverse impact of such irregularities on the future of aspiring medical students. He called for stringent measures to prevent paper leaks and ensure a fair examination process for all candidates.
The protest at Jantar Mantar saw a significant turnout of young activists and students who voiced their frustration and demands for a more accountable examination system. The demonstrators carried banners and chanted slogans, urging the authorities to take immediate action to address the irregularities and restore faith in the examination process.
NEET-UG, a crucial entrance exam for medical aspirants in India, determines admission to undergraduate medical and dental courses in various colleges across the country. Any compromise in its integrity can have far-reaching consequences, affecting the careers of millions of students who aspire to join the medical profession.
The controversy surrounding NEET is not new. In previous years, there have been multiple instances of alleged paper leaks and other malpractices, leading to widespread dissatisfaction among students. The IYF’s protest aims to bring these issues to the forefront and pressure the authorities to implement reforms to prevent such occurrences in the future.
Apart from NEET, the protest also highlighted irregularities in other competitive exams, calling for a comprehensive overhaul of the examination system in India. The IYF demanded a transparent and secure examination process that can uphold the aspirations of millions of students without any compromise.
The National Testing Agency, responsible for conducting NEET, has faced criticism for its handling of the examination process. The IYF’s protest seeks to hold the NTA accountable and push for reforms to ensure the credibility and reliability of the exams it conducts.
As the protest gained momentum, several political leaders and student organizations extended their support to the IYF’s cause. They emphasized the need for systemic changes to prevent examination malpractices and safeguard the future of students.
In conclusion, the IYF’s protest at Jantar Mantar highlights the urgent need to address the irregularities in NEET and other competitive exams. With around 24 lakh candidates appearing for NEET-UG this year, ensuring the integrity of the examination process is paramount. The demonstration serves as a call to action for authorities to implement reforms and restore the trust of students and their families in the Indian examination system.
