Modi Government faces backlash from Opposition over NEET 2024

The ongoing National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) examination row has given a good chance to the Opposition INDIA bloc to target the newly formed government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his third term. The government is not only facing condemnation over the alleged irregularities of the NEET-UG exams and UCG-NET exam cancellation, but also facing criticism for cancelling the NEET-PG examination less than 12 hours before the scheduled exam on 23rd June.

In the first sitting of the 18th Lok Sabha on Monday, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan was greeted by the opposition shouting “NEET” and “shame” while he took his oath as a Member of Parliament. The NEET-UG irregularities and NEET-PG postponement has led to nationwide protests by politicians as well as common people including students.

Abolish NEET: Mamata Banerjee

Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday wrote to PM Narendra Modi asking him to abolish the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) Examination and revert to the previous system in which states conducted their entrance examinations.

“I strongly urge you to consider and take immediate steps to restore the previous system of conducting this examination by the state governments and abolish the NEET examination. This will help restore normalcy and confidence of the aspirant students in the system,” she wrote in her letter to PM Modi.

Referring to allegations of question paper leak and cheating in the NEET-UG, the Chief Minister further wrote in her letter, “Such instances jeopardise the career and aspirations of students who look forward to get admission into these medical courses. Such instances not only compromise the quality of medical education but adversely affect the quality of medical facilities and treatment.”

CBI probe

All these are happening at a time when the NEET-UG examination is making headlines over a paper leak case. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is probing alleged irregularities in the recently held NEET (UG) Examination 2024. There have been reports of cheating, impersonation, and other malpractices in the exam, following which the Ministry of Education has entrusted the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate the matter. Meanwhile, the NEET-PG exam has been postponed leaving students in uncertainty.

Ruined education system under Modi rule: Rahul Gandhi

Reacting to the Government’s decision to postpone the NEET-PG exams, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has tweeted, “Now NEET PG is also postponed! This is another unfortunate example of the ruined education system under the rule of Narendra Modi. In BJP rule, students are not forced to ‘study’ to make their career but are forced to ‘fight’ with the government to save their future. Now it is clear – Modi, who used to silently watch the spectacle every time, is completely helpless in front of the paper leak racket and education mafia. Narendra Modi’s incompetent government is the biggest threat to the future of students – we must save the future of the country from it.”

Modi Govt must be held accountable: Mallikarjun Kharge

“In the NEET Scam, the buck stops at the doorstep of the top echelons of the Modi Govt. Shuffling the bureaucrats is no solution to the endemic problem in the Education system rotted by the BJP. NTA was projected to be an autonomous body, but in reality was made to serve the devious interests of the BJP/RSS. For students to get Justice, Modi Govt must be held accountable. Now, NEET-PG Exam has been postponed. 4 examinations have been either cancelled/postponed in the past 10 days. Paper Leaks, Corruption, Irregularities and Education Mafia has infiltrated our Education system. This belated whitewashing exercise is of NO consequence as countless youth continue to suffer!” Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge posted on X.

The Congress President hit out at PM Modi for bringing up the Emergency but not highlighting pressing issues such as the NEET ‘paper leak’ case, Manipur violence, or the West Bengal train accident in his address to the media ahead of the Lok Sabha session. Kharge accused the PM of using “customary words” while the nation was expecting him to talk about issues more relevant. He said “arrogance remains” despite his “moral and political defeat”, referring to the BJP’s failure to win a majority in the Lok Sabha Elections 2024.

Taking to X, Kharge wrote, “PM Modi made a longer than usual customary address today. Clearly, even after moral and political defeat, the arrogance remains! The nation was hoping that Modi ji would say something on many important issues.

He will show some sympathy towards the youth regarding the paper leak in NEET and other recruitment examinations, but he did not take any responsibility for the massive rigging and corruption of his government.”

PM Modi made a longer than usual customary address today. Clearly, even after moral and political defeat, the arrogance remains !

The nation was hoping that Modi ji would say something on many important issues.

🔹He will show some sympathy towards the youth regarding the paper… pic.twitter.com/GvdLOGCXCy

— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) June 24, 2024