Introduction:
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is an exam that students have to take if they wish to get admission into medical colleges in India. However, the exam has been a subject of controversy in many states, including Tamil Nadu. In this article, we will explore the nuances of the NEET exam and why some states are protesting against it.
Background:
NEET was introduced in 2016, with the aim of bringing uniformity and transparency to the admission process for medical colleges in India. However, since its introduction, the exam has been a subject of controversy. Many students and parents believe that the exam is unfair and puts undue pressure on students. They argue that the exam is biased towards students from urban areas and those who can afford expensive coaching classes.
Protests by Tamil Nadu:
One state that has been particularly vocal in its opposition to NEET is Tamil Nadu. The state has been protesting against the exam since its introduction, citing various reasons. The primary reason cited is the language barrier. NEET is conducted in only a few languages, such as English, Hindi, and Tamil. However, many students from Tamil Nadu, especially those from rural areas, are not fluent in English or Hindi. This puts them at a disadvantage and affects their chances of securing admission.
Another reason cited is the socio-economic imbalance. Many students from poor and marginalized communities cannot afford to pay for expensive coaching classes, which puts them at a disadvantage in a highly competitive exam like NEET. This creates an uneven playing field and makes it difficult for deserving students to get admission.
The state government of Tamil Nadu has been actively protesting against NEET, with the Chief Minister even writing to the Prime Minister requesting the scrapping of the exam. The state has also passed a bill to exempt Tamil Nadu from NEET, which is awaiting approval from the President of India.
Conclusion:
The NEET exam has been a subject of controversy since its introduction, with many states and students protesting against it. The primary concerns cited include the language barrier, socio-economic imbalance, and the undue pressure on students. The state of Tamil Nadu has been particularly vocal in its opposition to the exam and has been actively protesting against it. It remains to be seen how the issue will be resolved and whether NEET will continue to be the primary entrance exam for medical colleges in India.