IDPD demands high level investigation in the irregularities in NEET

Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD)

[June 14, 2024]

PRESS NOTE

IDPD demands high level investigation in the irregularities in NEET and redress students’ grievances

Review the whole process of entrance into the higher education courses

The Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) has demanded high level investigation in the scam in the NEET [National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test] examination for entrance into medical courses. The irregularities in the conduct of NEET has put career of a large number of students in Jeopardy. It should be found out whether there was leakage of papers and at whose behest? It is difficult to believe that many Marks Sheets were torn. This resulted in non-declaration or delay in the results.

Dr Arun Mitra - President IDPD said that that such situations put the students in extreme mental stress. Many students make more than one attempt, they are even more affected under such situations. The students at this tender age can even resort to extreme steps under the stressful conditions.

Dr Mitra further said that the National Testing Agency (NTA) should be held accountable and the concerned persons should be taken to task. Affected students should be given relief like giving grace marks and re-examination for the needy. In case of re-examination the expenditure should be borne by the National Testing Agency (NTA).

It may be noted that the admissions to the higher education courses have not been streamlined even after so many years. Several coaching centres have come up for the students appearing in the NEET and for various other disciplines. These coaching centres are charging exorbitantly from the students. Those from low socio-economic status are unable to afford. It has been found that the number of students from rural background has come down. Also the schools encourage the students to join the coaching centres and show dummy attendance in their schools. As a result the purpose of education to build citizens with a broad social outlook and doctors with empathy is neglected.

The private medical colleges hold mop-up counselling for the students at the fag end of admission process. They charge hefty amounts amounting to crores of rupees. This affects the students from low and middle income group students both.

Several states are demanding that they should be given right to take decision in the admission process in their respective states and they be exempted from NEET for the state quota seats. NEET should only be done for the central quota and for central government controlled colleges. This will protect the states’ rights to provide education. It must be recognised that in our country there is diversity in cultures and level of development.

Dr Shakeel Ur Rahman – General Secretary of the IDPD said that it is important that the students from low economic status should be supported by the government. Fees in the private colleges should be capped and made transparent including for the management quota seats. The clause of charging government level fees in the private colleges for 50% seats should be implemented effectively. Government should decide the fees for other seats. Students from the rural back ground should be given extra marks in admissions.

It is important therefore to hold detailed dialogue among various stake holders including students organisations, teachers organizaitons, academicians to reach a consensus.

Dr Arun Mitra

President

Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD)
139-E, Kitchlu Nagar, Ludhiana – 141001 Punjab