The Tamil Nadu Assembly on Tuesday passed a resolution seeking the abolition of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) for medical admissions in the state. The move received support from both the ruling DMK and opposition AIADMK, along with PMK and Left parties, putting up a broad political front against the entrance examination.
The resolution was moved by Tamil Nadu Health Minister K G Arunraj. During the debate, members argued that NEET has created difficulties for students, particularly those from rural and economically weaker backgrounds. Concerns were also raised over alleged irregularities and paper leaks linked to competitive examinations.
The resolution calls on the Union government to scrap NEET and allow Tamil Nadu to return to a system based on students' Class 12 marks for admission to medical courses. Opposition to NEET has been a long-standing political issue in the state, with successive governments arguing that the examination puts students from different educational backgrounds on an unequal footing.
The support from AIADMK was significant as the party is a major political rival of the DMK. Members from the two parties backed the resolution despite their wider political differences. PMK and Left party legislators also supported the demand.
The lone BJP MLA in the Assembly opposed the resolution and walked out of the House during the proceedings. The BJP has maintained a different position on NEET, backing the national-level examination as a common system for medical admissions across the country.
Tamil Nadu has repeatedly sought exemption from NEET. The state government has argued that the examination places additional pressure on students and can disadvantage those who cannot afford expensive coaching. The issue has also remained politically sensitive because of the debate over state powers in education and medical admissions.
However, the Assembly resolution by itself does not immediately remove NEET from Tamil Nadu. Since NEET is governed at the national level, the demand will ultimately require action by the Union government and changes to the existing legal and regulatory framework.
The latest resolution therefore marks another major political push by Tamil Nadu against NEET. With the DMK, AIADMK and several other parties supporting the move, the Assembly has once again sent a strong message to the Centre that there is significant political opposition to the examination in the state.
