News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/15th July 2024
In a significant development, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has expressed solidarity with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin in the ongoing battle for justice concerning students affected by the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) examination. According to a statement released by the state government on Sunday, Gandhi conveyed his commitment to ensuring justice for nearly 24 lakh students impacted by what he termed as a “huge failure” on the part of the Union government and the National Testing Agency (NTA).
In his letter to Chief Minister Stalin, Gandhi acknowledged the state’s efforts and thanked him for his correspondence dated June 28, 2024, regarding the NEET issue. He highlighted the Congress party’s persistent efforts to advocate for justice for students, particularly following the controversial early declaration of NEET-UG results on June 4, 2024.
Gandhi, who serves as the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, emphasized that NEET has exposed glaring deficiencies within the higher education system, particularly affecting students from marginalized backgrounds. He underscored the challenges faced by economically disadvantaged students who lack access to expensive coaching centers, thereby hindering their ability to compete on an equal footing.
The Congress leader’s communication also referenced his recent parliamentary address, where he raised concerns over the disparities perpetuated by NEET. He stressed the importance of ensuring that all aspirants, regardless of economic background, have equitable access to state-administered medical colleges, which are supported by taxpayer funds.
Commending Tamil Nadu as a trailblazing state with a robust public sector medical education infrastructure, Gandhi asserted that any attempts to undermine this system must be strongly opposed. He lauded the state’s commitment to public health and its efforts to maintain a strong foundation in medical education.
The issue of NEET has been contentious in Tamil Nadu, with Chief Minister Stalin leading efforts to seek exemptions for the state from the examination. Following the Tamil Nadu Assembly’s adoption of a resolution seeking exemption from NEET, Stalin wrote to Chief Ministers of other opposition-ruled states, including Delhi, Punjab, and West Bengal, urging them to pass similar resolutions in their respective legislative assemblies.
The controversy surrounding NEET has sparked nationwide debate, highlighting disparities in access to quality education and opportunities. As the political discourse continues, stakeholders await further developments in the efforts to address the concerns raised by Rahul Gandhi and Chief Minister Stalin regarding NEET and its implications for students across the country.
