The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) 2024 examination has emerged as a focal point of contention, triggering a heated exchange between the Congress party and the government. Here’s a detailed exploration of the unfolding saga:
Congress’s Allegations: Mallikarjun Kharge, the Congress party chief, launched a scathing attack on the Modi government, alleging gross irregularities in the NEET-UG 2024 examination. Beyond the issue of grace marks, Kharge accused the government of turning a blind eye to widespread malpractices, including paper leaks and corruption. He painted a grim picture of a nefarious alliance between exam centers and coaching institutes, where the exchange of money for exam papers was rampant.
Demand for Transparent Investigation: In response to the brewing scandal, Kharge called for a thorough investigation under the vigilant oversight of the Supreme Court. He emphasized the government’s accountability in safeguarding the interests of the 24 lakh students who appeared for the NEET-UG 2024 exam. Kharge insisted on severe punishment for those found guilty and demanded compensation for affected students. Additionally, Congress pressed for the removal of the National Testing Agency (NTA) Director General, citing the government’s perceived apathy towards the crisis.
Education Minister’s Rebuttal: Dharmendra Pradhan, the Union Education Minister, swiftly rejected Congress’s allegations, asserting the NTA’s unwavering commitment to conducting fair examinations. Pradhan clarified that while the Supreme Court has ordered the re-examination of 1,563 students, no concrete evidence of rigging or corruption has surfaced. He denounced Congress’s attempts to politicize the issue, accusing the opposition of peddling misinformation and sowing confusion among students.
Reiteration of Government’s Commitment: Pradhan reiterated the government’s steadfast dedication to upholding the integrity of examinations, pledging stringent action against any proven irregularities. He criticized Congress’s opportunistic approach, urging the opposition to prioritize the nation’s development over political maneuvering. Dismissing claims of paper leaks, Pradhan underscored the government’s unyielding focus on ensuring a promising future for students.
Inspection Over NEET Results: The NEET-UG 2024 results sparked immediate scrutiny, with an unprecedented number of candidates achieving perfect scores. Amid allegations of paper leaks and questionable practices, the revelation that 67 students secured a flawless 720/720 score raised eyebrows. Moreover, the fact that six top-ranking candidates wrote the exam from a single center in Haryana added fuel to suspicions surrounding the integrity of the examination process.
As the NEET-UG 2024 controversy continues to unfold, the clash between Congress’s call for a Supreme Court-monitored probe and the Education Minister’s assurances of fair examinations underscores the urgency of transparency and accountability in the education system. With the aspirations of thousands of students hanging in the balance, the need for swift and decisive action to address these allegations has never been more pressing.
(With inputs from agencies)
