News Tamil Nadu

“We Criticize It, Not Against It”, Says TN Speaker M. Appavu About NEET

November 25, 2024
The Commune

Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly (TNLA) Speaker M. Appavu sparked controversy on 24 November 2024 by stating that the ruling DMK government is not fundamentally opposed to the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), provided it is conducted in a fair and transparent manner. His comments created a stir within the DMK party.

Appavu made these remarks during an awareness rally to mark the seventh National Naturopathy Day in Egmore. He clarified that the controversy was not about the existence of NEET itself, but about how the national-level exam for medical admissions is being managed and the role of the National Testing Agency (NTA), a private body currently responsible for conducting the test.

“We are not opposed to NEET. They have passed an act making NEET essential for pursuing medicine. However, how it is conducted and who is conducting the exam. You are all aware that the exam is handled by an agency called the National Testing Agency, which is a private entity. It’s run by a group of ten people, much like the Rotary, across the country. How many crores are involved in this process? While it’s fine if they earn profits and done honestly. They NTA agency have given grace marks to 1563 to students which have affected our students, and we are asking question against it,” Appavu stated. He further expressed concern over how the NEET system was negatively affecting Tamil Nadu students, particularly due to the implementation of a grace mark system, and its overall impact on the State’s educational standards, which are regarded as among the best in India.

Appavu emphasized that if NEET were to be conducted in a transparent and honest manner, the State would have no objection. He reiterated that the DMK government has been advocating for the abolition of NEET in Tamil Nadu because of its adverse effects on local students and the State’s education system.

Speaking to the press, he remarked, “If there is act is this country, we can only criticize it, we are not against it. The current Union government has introduced this NEET act, and we are criticizing only the act. ‘Everyone’s opinion is against NEET’ – the Chief Minister, the Ministers, and even Appavu share the same view.”

He then criticized the NTA, stating that it was a private entity although it is a government body. Although the Speaker highlighted transparency as a primary issue, he also pointed to broader concerns, particularly the increasing federal encroachment on education, a subject listed in the Concurrent List, without the proper consultation or consent of the states.

In addition, Appavu appealed to the public and media to pressure the central government to release outstanding tax revenues and other dues owed to Tamil Nadu.

(With inputs from DTNext)

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.