Tamil Nadu Assembly Passes Resolution Against NEET, Citing Social Justice Concerns

The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on Tuesday passed a resolution seeking the abolition of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) for undergraduate medical admissions in the state. The resolution, moved by Health Minister K. Arunraj, was supported by the DMK, AIADMK, Congress, PMK, DMDK, and left parties, while the BJP's lone MLA staged a walkout opposing the move.

Moving the resolution, Arunraj stated that NEET is "against social justice, equality, and the rights of states." The resolution calls for amendments to central laws to discontinue the uniform NEET system, proposing instead that admissions to undergraduate medical courses be based on Class 12 examination marks.

The Tamil Nadu government has consistently argued that NEET adversely affects students from rural and economically disadvantaged backgrounds, particularly those studying in Tamil medium. It has also expressed concerns over the growing reliance on expensive coaching centres and the intense pressure on students to perform in a single entrance examination after 12 years of schooling. The government asserts that the current system undermines the federal structure by overriding the state's autonomy in determining medical admission policies.

Opposing the resolution, BJP MLA M. Bhojarajan argued that NEET provides an opportunity and hope to students in the state. Citing an example from Pollachi, he noted that ten students from the same school had cleared the examination. He questioned why the state government was not focusing on providing coaching facilities to students instead of seeking abolition. "Why is the state government not seriously considering conducting coaching classes? Why are you thinking with an inferiority complex?" he asked. He suggested that the government should introduce a special scheme to help students prepare for NEET, ensuring they do not depend exclusively on expensive private coaching. "We don't want a situation where only wealthy private individuals provide coaching," he said. He then announced he would not participate in the voting and staged a walkout.

The AIADMK extended support to the resolution, with MLA O.S. Manian stating that the party remains firm in its anti-NEET policy. DMK MLA Muthuraja also affirmed his party's support. The cross-party backing highlights the politically significant nature of the issue in Tamil Nadu, where it has been a recurring point of contention between the state and the central government.

The Assembly had earlier unanimously passed the Tamil Nadu Admission to Undergraduate Medical Degree Courses Bill, 2021, which seeks exemption from NEET for the state. The state government has repeatedly urged the Centre to approve the legislation, but no decision has been announced so far. The resolution passed on Tuesday reiterates the state's demand for a relook at the national examination system.

The debate over NEET in Tamil Nadu reflects a broader disagreement over medical education policy in the country. Supporters of the resolution argue that a single national entrance test disproportionately affects students from non-English medium backgrounds and rural areas, limiting their access to medical education. They contend that judging students on the basis of a single high-stakes examination is unfair given the variations in state school curricula.

Opponents, on the other hand, maintain that NEET ensures a common standard for admissions and helps curb malpractices. They argue that the solution lies in improving coaching infrastructure and support for students, rather than eliminating the test entirely. The resolution is largely symbolic in nature, as any change to NEET would require amendments to central laws and the Union government's consent.

The issue continues to be a politically charged topic in Tamil Nadu, with the ruling DMK-led government making it a part of its stance on state autonomy. The Centre has maintained that NEET is necessary to maintain standards in medical education. Both sides have valid concerns, and the resolution adds another chapter to the ongoing dialogue between the state and the Centre on this matter.