Karnataka Follows Tamil Nadu in Opposing NEET, Plans to seek exemption

Karnataka- After Tamil Nadu, now Karnataka is opposing the National Eligibility and Entrance Test (NEET) in the state. The Karnataka government hence is planning to seek exemption from NEET and permission to conduct their own entrance exams for medical college admissions.

As per the Deccan Herald's recent media news report, the Congress government in Karnataka is planning to oppose NEET, possibly also including a law granting exemption from the all-India exam.  

Following the recent controversy over granting of grace marks to 1,563 students and allegations of malpractice, last week Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar had urged the central government to abolish NEET and allow states to conduct their own entrance exams for medical school admissions.

Apart from this, DK Shivakumar also approached Karnataka Medical Education Minister Dr Sharan Prakash Patil for his opinion on NEET. In response, Patil told DKS that the state government cannot do much on the NEET matter.

Speaking to the Deccan Herald on this, the Deputy Chief Minister said, "We are discussing going the Tamil Nadu way. The Karnataka government...we are opposing NEET. This is a big scandal."

Shivakumar further added “Our people have built institutions in the state. The institutions, managements, locals...they’re unable to provide seats to students belonging to their communities. We need a national discussion on this. Students from outside have a reservation, yes, but that’s a different matter. We’ll discuss this in the coming days”.

In 2021, the Tamil Nadu Assembly passed a bill seeking exemption from NEET and was later sent to the Governor. However, the governor returned the bill in February 2022, but the assembly later passed it again. The Governor sent it to the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, in May 2022 as education falls under the Concurrent List of the Constitution. Since then this bill has been pending before the President.

Meanwhile, amidst the NEET 2024 paper leak and results controversy, the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has recently said that the only solution to the issue is to restore the role of state governments in deciding the method of selection for MBBS courses.’

Also Read: NEET a 'scam', Only solution to restore role of state govt for MBBS admissions: Tamil Nadu CM