Karnataka Government Passes Resolution Against NEET Exam in Assembly
Pune, 25th July 2024 – The Karnataka government has passed a resolution in the state assembly urging the abolition of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). The resolution, adopted on Thursday, requests the central government to exempt the state from NEET and instead allow medical admissions based on marks obtained in the Common Entrance Test (CET) conducted by the state. The decision was influenced by concerns over repeated irregularities in NEET and its impact on medical education opportunities for rural students.
The Congress-led Siddaramaiah government highlighted that the NEET exam system severely affects the opportunities for medical education for children from poor and rural backgrounds. The proposal argued that NEET undermines the state’s school education system and strips Karnataka of its right to admit students to state-managed medical colleges. The assembly’s resolution calls for the abolition of NEET to rectify these issues.
Additionally, the proposal stated that the Karnataka Legislative Council unanimously requests the central government to amend the National Medical Commission Act, 2019, to facilitate this exemption. The state aims to revert to using the CET, which it believes will be a fairer system for its students. The resolution reflects widespread dissatisfaction with the NEET system among Karnataka’s legislators.
The resolution passed by the Karnataka assembly underscores a broader debate over the fairness and effectiveness of national standardized tests like NEET. It highlights the perceived disadvantages these exams pose to students from various socioeconomic backgrounds. The state government’s push for change indicates a strong desire to regain control over its medical admissions process and ensure a more equitable system for its students.
The central government’s response to this resolution will be crucial in determining the future of medical admissions in Karnataka. The state’s insistence on this exemption showcases its commitment to addressing educational inequalities and providing better opportunities for its students.
