Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK leader MK Stalin emphasized the need to put an end to what he terms the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) scam. Speaking at an event hosted by the Department of School Education at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai, Stalin reaffirmed the state government's commitment to maintaining educational integrity and ensuring that no student's education is hindered by societal, financial, or political factors.
### Key Points from MK Stalin's Speech:
1. **Opposition to NEET**:
  - Stalin reiterated the Tamil Nadu government's strong opposition to NEET, describing it as a detrimental irregularity in the educational system.
  - He emphasized that Tamil Nadu was the first state to label NEET as fraudulent and asserted that it is their responsibility to put an end to it.
2. **Educational Integrity**:
  - Highlighting the importance of education, Stalin stated, "Education is the only asset that no one can steal from you."
  - He criticized NEET for being a scam and reiterated the Dravidian government's principle that no obstacles should hinder students' education.
### Central Government's Response:
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan assured NEET examinees that their concerns would be addressed with fairness and equity. He emphasized that no student would be at a disadvantage and no child's career would be jeopardized.
### Recent Developments:
1. **Supreme Court Decision**:
  - The Supreme Court was informed that the Centre has decided to revoke the grace marks granted to 1,563 students in the NEET-UG 2024 to ensure fairness in the examination process.
2. **Retest Announcement**:
  - A retest is scheduled for June 23, with the National Testing Agency (NTA) assuring that the results will be released by June 30.
### Event Highlights:
- The event hosted by the Department of School Education also witnessed commendations for academic excellence and significant infrastructure developments within Tamil Nadu's educational sector.
### Conclusion:
The Tamil Nadu government's firm stance against NEET, as articulated by CM MK Stalin, reflects the state's commitment to educational equity and integrity. The ongoing developments, including the Supreme Court's intervention and the scheduled retest, underscore the broader national conversation about the fairness and efficacy of NEET as a gateway to medical education.
