NEET candidate not allowed to wear Karah during exam, NCM seeks report from NTA, Chandigarh Administration

New Delhi: Taking cognizance of the complaint filed by a man regarding not allowing his son to wear Karah in the NEET 2021 examination, the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) has sought a report from the Chandigarh Administration and National Testing Agency (NTA).

According to the complainant, his son was not allowed to wear Karah during the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test conducted for admissions to MBBS, BDS and AYUSH courses, NEET 2021 examination in Government Model School, Sector 19-D, Chandigarh, whereas other students wearing silver Karah were allowed with tape fixing.

The National Commission for Minorities in a Press Note in New Delhi stated, "Since the incident involves persons belonging to minority community, the Commission has called for a factual report in the matter from Chandigarh Administration and National Testing Agency who conducted the NEET 2021 examination."

The NCM formed under NCM Act, 1992, has been, inter-alia, entrusted with the responsibility to look into specific complaints regarding deprivation of rights and safeguards of Minorities and take up such matters with the appropriate authorities, the release said.

This year, the number of NEET aspirants was higher than ever as more than 16 lakh candidates had registered for appearing in the examination, which took place on September 12.

NEET-UG is the qualifying exam for the candidates wishing to pursue their education in MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BSMS, BUMS and BHMS Courses. However, this year, NTA had mentioned that "Result of NEET (UG) - 2021 may be utilized by other Entities of Central/State Governments (including Indian Nursing Council/ Nursing Colleges/ Schools, JIPMER) for counselling / admission to relevant courses [including B.Sc. (Nursing) and B.Sc. (Life Sciences)] in accordance with their rules/norms/guidelines."