amil Nadu’s Long Battle Against NEET
Tamil Nadu has been at the forefront of opposition to the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), arguing that it disproportionately benefits students from privileged backgrounds while disadvantaging those from rural and underprivileged communities. The state has repeatedly pushed for medical admissions based on Class XII marks, rather than a centralized entrance test.
In a major setback, President Droupadi Murmu rejected Tamil Nadu’s bill seeking an exemption from NEET, dealing a blow to the state’s efforts to regain control over medical admissions. The bill, first passed in 2021 and reapproved in 2022, had been awaiting approval from the union government.
Chief Minister Stalin’s Response: A Federalism Crisis?
Chief Minister MK Stalin, addressing the Tamil Nadu Assembly, called the rejection an "insult" to the state and a "black phase in federalism." He accused the BJP-led central government of dismissing Tamil Nadu’s concerns despite repeated clarifications.
Stalin also linked this decision to other ongoing disputes with the Centre, including the contentious delimitation exercise and the alleged "Hindi imposition." With the 2024 elections approaching, he framed the NEET issue as part of a larger struggle for Tamil Nadu’s rights and autonomy.
To strategize the next steps, Stalin has called for a meeting of all legislature parties. He also reaffirmed the state’s commitment to challenging NEET, vowing to consult legal experts to explore further legal and constitutional options.
Why Tamil Nadu Opposes NEET
Tamil Nadu’s resistance to NEET is driven by concerns over educational equity:
- Social Justice: The state argues that NEET favors students who can afford expensive coaching, while students from rural and economically weaker backgrounds are left at a disadvantage.
- Rising Student Suicides: Several students have taken their own lives after failing to clear NEET, highlighting the immense pressure created by the exam.
- Exam Paper Leaks & Irregularities: Allegations of paper leaks in recent years have further fueled concerns over NEET’s fairness. In 2024, a Supreme Court petition sought the cancellation of the NEET-UG exam due to leaked question papers, but the court dismissed the case citing a lack of conclusive evidence.
