The resolution, which lambasted the NTA's actions as jeopardizing the future of lakhs of students, also took aim at the Union government for its unconditional support of the agency.
Published Jun 26, 2024 | 9:06 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 26, 2024 | 9:06 PM
Kerala Legislative Assembly, Thiruvananthapuram. (Creative Commons)
In a powerful and unified stance, the Kerala Assembly, on 26 June, unanimously passed a resolution denouncing the National Testing Agency (NTA) for its mishandling of the NEET-UG examination.
The resolution, which lambasted the NTA’s actions as jeopardizing the future of lakhs of students, also took aim at the Union government for its unconditional support of the agency.
“The Assembly strongly condemns the actions of the National Testing Agency that jeopardize the future of students and the Union government’s unconditional support to them,” the resolution declared.
The Assembly called on the Union government to take immediate and transparent action to alleviate the anxiety and fear among students and parents, who are anxiously awaiting medical admissions.
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) examination fiasco has been a burning issue in the country for quite some time.
It refers to a series of controversies and issues surrounding the conduct of the NEET-UG examination, which is a standardized test for students seeking admission to medical and dental colleges in India.
While there have been allegations of cheating, paper leaks, and other malpractices during the exam, other issues like technical glitches have also been pointed out.
Presenting the resolution, Higher Education Minister R Bindu, not mincing her words, described the NTA as “incompetent” and blamed the BJP’s policy of “one nation, one exam” for the crisis.
“It is condemnable that in an exam of this kind, questions that threaten the secular fabric of the nation are being asked. Through National Educational Policy, the BJP-led Union government has legitimised superstition and unscientific information,” the minister said.
She also said that the decision of the NTA to postpone the exams of NET, CSIR NET and NEET -PG has resulted in severe mental stress and financial loss to thousands of students in the state.
“The NTA had proved many times that they are incompetent to conduct the exams in a foolproof manner. It has to be remembered that, this exam was conducted by the state without any flaws. Then it was decided to conduct the exam in a centralized manner,” Minister Bindu said.
“But the concerned has failed miserably in conducting it without any errors,” she added.
Earlier, M Vijin MLA introduced a motion highlighting the grave issues stemming from irregularities in the NEET examination process. He alleged that NTA was implementing saffronisation and the NEET UG exam fiasco is nothing but a ‘big scam’.
The motion sparked a discussion, with several members expressing concerns over the psychological impact on students. Reports have emerged of students seeking psychosocial support following the controversy.
Underscoring this, Health Minister Veena George informed the Assembly that through Tele Manas, a comprehensive mental health care service, the health department is providing counselling to such students who experience stress and anxiety due to the current scenario.
Dr N Jayaraj MLA, who attended the discussion, quoted Nelson Mandela, saying, “Destroying any nation does not require the use of atomic bombs or the use of long-range missiles. It only requires lowering the quality of education and allowing cheating in the examinations by the students.”
He also demanded a forensic audit to address the irregularities in the NEET examination process.
At the same time, Sujith Vijayan MLA alleged that the BJP government at the Centre which had sold the country’s assets, has now sold the future of the students. According to U Prathibha MLA, National Testing Agency will have to be considered as Non-Trust Agency or National Thattippu (cheating) Agency.
Meanwhile, Congress MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadan’s reference of episodes of University Exam row and PSC exam fiasco in the state generated a hue and cry from the treasury benches.
In short, the Kerala Assembly’s unanimous resolution reflects the growing discontent and serious concerns regarding the conduct of the NEET-UG examination.
By condemning the NTA and urging the Union government to take immediate and transparent actions, the leaders have highlighted the need for systemic reforms.
As the debate over the centralization of entrance exams intensifies, the focus remains on ensuring a fair and equitable process that prioritises the well-being and future of students.
(Edited by Shauqueen Mizaj)
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