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Rajya MP from the Trinamool Congress Sagarika Ghose has voiced concerns over the handling of the NEET-UG exam, stating that an adherence to a ‘one-size-fits-all solution’ is causing an erosion of systems within the education sector. This statement comes in the midst of mounting criticism towards the ruling NDA government and the National Testing Agency (NTA) regarding alleged irregularities surrounding this year’s NEET-UG examination. The controversy has led to widespread protests throughout the country, with protestors and political parties alike calling for the disbandment of the NTA. Towards the past, West Bengal’s TMC government has also grappled with several recruitment scandals. In an interview with the Hindustan Times, Ghose emphasized the importance of employing professionals to oversee these institutions, emphasizing that excessive centralization and a fixation on a single solution are contributing to the degradation of existing systems.
Furthermore, Ghose aims to unify a coalition of resilient women opposition leaders in Parliament to challenge the government early in its third term. The NEET-UG exam took place on May 5 across 4,750 centers, with approximately 24 lakh candidates participating. The outcome was initially anticipated to be announced on June 14 but was surprisingly revealed on June 4, suggesting an expedited grading process. Notably, an unprecedented 67 students achieved a perfect score of 720, with six of them hailing from a center in Haryana’s Faridabad. However, concerns arose regarding possible irregularities, as suspicions surfaced that grace marks might have contributed to the crowning of 67 students with the highest rank. Despite these controversies, the Supreme Court has declined to postpone the NEET-UG counseling process slated to commence on July 6, underscoring it as a complex matter that warrants thorough consideration.
On a broader scale, the contentious NEET issue has elicited mixed reactions from various political factions. The Congress party has voiced doubts concerning the integrity of the NTA amid the uproar surrounding the latest NEET exam. Jairam Ramesh, a notable figure within the Congress party, highlighted the organization’s credibility issues, calling for an immediate review of NEET’s design and administration. With the formation of the new Standing Committees in Parliament, he anticipates an extensive evaluation of NEET, NTA, and NCERT in the near future. Ramesh further vocalized concerns regarding the potential biases in NEET towards CBSE students, which could disadvantage non-CBSE-affiliated candidates. This sentiment was echoed by MPs from Tamil Nadu and other states, raising questions of discrimination and equal opportunities for all aspirants. These reflections underscore the multifaceted challenges facing the educational landscape in India and the urgent need for reform to ensure fair and transparent examination processes.
