DMK Accuses NTA of Compromising NEET Sanctity, Slams Centre; Calls for Scrapping Test

Tamil Nadu's ruling party, DMK, launched a scathing attack on the National Testing Agency (NTA) on Saturday, accusing it of undermining the integrity of NEET. The DMK squarely blamed the BJP-led central government, labeling it a passive bystander and accusing it of supporting coaching centers that rake in millions. The party reiterated its longstanding demand for scrapping the national entrance test, asserting that this action alone could restore credibility to the education sector.

Citing recent developments where the Centre informed the Supreme Court about withdrawing grace marks awarded to 1,563 students, DMK's Tamil mouthpiece 'Murasoli' criticized the BJP government for taking corrective action only after legal intervention. The editorial, published on June 15, alleged that despite numerous irregularities in NEET over the years, the BJP administration had turned a blind eye until the matter reached the apex court.

Highlighting this year's NEET administration, 'Murasoli' noted that what had been previously hidden came to light, causing the test results, originally slated for June 14, to be hurriedly released on June 4 alongside the Lok Sabha election results. The editorial condemned the awarding of excessive grace marks, describing it as a national injustice rather than a mere correction.

The DMK lambasted the BJP government for allegedly favoring coaching centers and allowing corporate interests to dominate the education sector. Despite Tamil Nadu's persistent opposition to NEET, including passing a bill in the Assembly seeking exemption from the exam, the Centre has consistently rejected these demands, dismissing them as politically motivated.

Recently, students affected by the grace mark controversy approached the Supreme Court seeking cancellation of the May 5, 2024 NEET exam and demanding stringent measures to prevent future irregularities. The DMK cited the Supreme Court's acknowledgment that NEET's sanctity had been compromised and questioned the Centre's role as a mere spectator.

The editorial concluded by reiterating its call for abolishing NEET altogether, emphasizing that this would be the only permanent and fair solution to safeguarding the sanctity of the education sector. It criticized the Centre for aligning its stance with the NTA in court proceedings and accused it of continuing to support the agency despite the grace mark scandal.

In light of the upcoming retest scheduled for June 23 for students affected by the grace mark withdrawal, 'Murasoli' expressed skepticism about the outcome and criticized the Centre and the NTA's defense of coaching centers during court hearings.

(With PTI Inputs)