The All India Students' Federation (AISF) held a significant protest on Wednesday, June 12, in Tiruvarur, Tamil Nadu, to voice their concerns over the irregularities reported in the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) for undergraduate medical courses.
The demonstration occurred in front of the Head Post Office, where a large gathering of AISF members raised slogans demanding the abolition of NEET.
The protest was organized in response to widespread grievances about the fairness and transparency of the NEET UG exam, which serves as a gateway for students aspiring to enter medical colleges across India. AISF members argued that the current system is flawed and disproportionately affects students from various socio-economic backgrounds. They emphasized that the existing structure of NEET undermines the principles of equitable access to education, which is crucial in a diverse country like India.
One of the primary demands of the protestors was for state governments to base MBBS admissions this year on Class XII exam marks rather than NEET scores. This, they argued, would ensure a fairer evaluation of students' academic capabilities and mitigate the adverse effects of the reported irregularities in the NEET exam. The AISF believes that relying on Class XII marks would provide a more balanced and representative assessment of students' potential.
In addition to calling for the abolition of NEET, the AISF protestors demanded the disbanding of the National Testing Agency (NTA), the body responsible for conducting NEET. The NTA has been embroiled in several controversies, including allegations of mismanagement and lack of transparency in the examination process. Protest leaders contended that the NTA's handling of NEET has eroded trust in the examination system and called for its dissolution to pave the way for a more reliable and accountable mechanism.
The protest was led by JP Veerapandian, District Secretary of AISF, who passionately articulated the federation's stance on the issues. Other prominent speakers included J Bharathselvan, District President of AISF, and D Arul Rajan, AISF District Secretary. They addressed the crowd, reiterating the federation's commitment to fighting for a just and equitable education system.
Throughout the demonstration, the protestors maintained that the current NEET system is detrimental to students, particularly those from marginalized communities, who face numerous challenges in accessing quality education. They called on the government to heed their demands and implement changes to ensure a fairer and more inclusive process for medical admissions.
The AISF's protest in Tiruvarur marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over the NEET examination. It highlights the growing discontent among students and educators regarding the current system. It underscores the urgent need for reforms that prioritise transparency, fairness, and accessibility in the Indian education system.