Following Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, Karnataka has passed a resolution against the NEET-UG 2024, advocating for a state-specific Common Entrance Test (CET) for medical admissions. The resolution emphasizes the negative impact of the NEET examination system on rural students and the state’s autonomy in conducting its medical entrance exams.
Key Highlights:
- Resolution Passed: Karnataka’s legislative assembly passed a resolution demanding the abolition of NEET-UG 2024. The resolution was tabled by State Medical and Skill Development Minister Sharan Prakash Patil and passed in both Houses amid protests by the opposition.
- Concerns Raised:
- Impact on Rural Students: The resolution argues that NEET adversely affects the educational opportunities of poor rural students, making schooling redundant and undermining states’ rights to manage admissions to state government-run medical colleges.
- CET as an Alternative: Karnataka urges the central government to permit states to conduct their own entrance exams, citing a track record of transparency in their CET system.
- Previous Resolutions:
- West Bengal: Passed a similar resolution and will conduct its own medical entrance exam. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to abolish NEET and permit state exams.
- Tamil Nadu: Passed a resolution in June advocating for state-run entrance exams and critiquing the NEET system.
- Political Reactions:
- Congress Criticism: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi criticized NEET and the examination system, citing administrative failures and corruption.
- Government Response: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan defended the NEET system and criticized Gandhi’s statements, emphasizing that the NEET was established during the UPA government.
- Supreme Court Ruling:
- Decision: On July 23, the Supreme Court found no evidence of large-scale systemic failure in NEET-UG 2024. It ruled against a re-examination, citing the impact on the 24 lakh students who appeared for the exam.
- Investigation: The NEET-UG 2024, held on May 5, faced controversy when 1,563 candidates received incorrect question papers. The CBI is investigating the irregularities, with six FIRs filed.
Summary:
The resolution passed by Karnataka reflects growing discontent with NEET-UG 2024, joining Tamil Nadu and West Bengal in calling for state-centric medical entrance exams. The controversy continues amid political debates and judicial scrutiny, with significant implications for medical education and state autonomy.
