Chennai, Tamil Nadu [India]: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin convened a meeting on Wednesday with Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) from across the state to discuss the ongoing issue of NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test).
The meeting was attended by legislators from DMK, Congress, MMK, PMK, VCK, Tamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi, CPI(M), and CPI. However, BJP and AIADMK chose to boycott the discussion.
During the session, CM Stalin reiterated that the DMK has consistently opposed NEET and has not altered its stance over the years. He recalled that former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi had also stood firmly against the exam, with support from the Governor at the time. Stalin highlighted Tamil Nadu’s achievements in the field of medical education before NEET was introduced.
“DMK has been fighting against NEET from the beginning. The state government has been very strong on the decision, and till today, we have no change of heart or decision on this matter. Former Tamil Nadu Karunanidhi, back in the day, opposed NEET, and then it was also approved by the Governor. And it was at that time Tamilnadu had become an example in the field of health and education of medical studies”, MK Stalin said during the meet.
He also criticized the AIADMK government for reintroducing NEET during its rule, which he claimed disrupted the state’s medical education system. He called for collective action at the national level and proposed statewide protests against the exam.
“Few years back, the AIADMK regime bought back the NEET, which spoiled our entire process of medical education. We have to fight this in parliament and start a complete state-wide protest because of NEET; multiple students, especially from the poor and downtrodden people’s, faced a drawback by it”, Stalin said.
The Chief Minister further emphasized the adverse effects of NEET on underprivileged students and accused Governor RN Ravi of politicizing the matter. He asserted that the state government had submitted a proposal for exemption, but it was delayed and mishandled. Stalin expressed hope that through continued legal efforts, Tamil Nadu could eventually gain an exemption from NEET.
“NEET entrance exams affect the students who are living in poverty. We sent the proposal to the Tamil Nadu Governor, he must have sent it to the President, but he did politics over it. We fought over it. We passed the resolution in State Assembly and sent it again to Governor for President’s assent. I met Governor in person and gave the request. Union Government might have rejected our Bill but I believe if we continue to take legal measures, we will get NEET exemption for Tamil Nadu”, Tamil Nadu CM said.