Protests against NEET grow stronger

Prince Gajendra Babu, general secretary, State Platform for Common School System (SPCSS) said, “We want the examination to be exempted for the government colleges and government quota in private colleges. Secondly, for the PG graduates we want in-service quota. Thirdly, we want reservation for the Tamil Nadu seats in super speciality courses.” 

The protesters also had students from the state board, who said they are at disadvantage because the syllabus is different from that of NEET. 

“Last year, students from Tamil Nadu were exempted from taking the exam as the syllabus was different from that of NEET. This year is no different as the students who were in Class 11 last year and were promoted to Class 12 and were taught the same syllabus and it is only logical to exempt them from writing the exam this year too,” said Prince, who has been protesting NEET from day one.  The speakers at the event also pointed out this exam will only give rise to the expensive coaching classes that the students from rural areas cannot afford. With the day of the examination coming closer, they want their demands to be met. 

“This entrance test is designed for the urban elite, who can afford coaching classes and special tuitions. Rural candidates, who have access only to their school curriculum would be completely left out and this would lead to social disparity in the long run,” said P K Ilamaran, state president, Tamil Nadu Teachers’ Association, who also participated the protest.  

Several sections have been demanding the exemption of NEET examination. Even, bills have been passed in the Assembly to exempt Tamil Nadu from NEET that is awaiting the President’s nod. Rajya Sabha MP TK Rangarajan also wrote a letter to President regarding grant of assent to the Tamil Nadu Admission to MBBS and BDS Course Act 2017 and the Tamil Nadu Admission to Post Graduate Course in Medicine and Dentistry Act 2017.

Tension prevailed for sometime in Tiruchy on Friday as members of Tamil Nadu Government Doctors Association (TNGDA) tried to form a human chain even as police denied permission.  The doctors and students were scheduled to form the human chain from the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital to the Collectorate. However, police suddenly asked them to disperse. Mild tension ensued at the spot. Soon, state joint  secretary of the association Aruleeswaran, held talks with the police and obtained a go ahead.