Karnataka Plans Resolution to Abolish NEET Amid Paper Leak Uproar

Digital Desk: The Karnataka government, led by the Congress, is preparing to propose a resolution similar to Tamil Nadu's stance against the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). The proposal aims to persuade the Union government to permit states to conduct medical admissions based on Class 12 marks, reinstating the pre-NEET admission criteria. Sources informed India Today TV that the Karnataka government plans to present this proposal during the scheduled state Cabinet meeting later today.

Pending Cabinet approval, the resolution could pave the way for introducing a Bill at the Vidhan Soudha. This move comes amidst the ongoing national controversy surrounding irregularities and paper leaks in the NEET-UG 2024 exams.

If adopted, Karnataka intends to administer its own competitive exams for undergraduate and postgraduate medical courses. This initiative follows a similar action by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-led Tamil Nadu government, which recently passed a resolution against NEET and urged the Centre to empower states in medical admissions.

Various regional parties, including Manithaneya Makkal Katchi, Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, and the Communist Party of India (Marxist), have expressed support for Tamil Nadu's resolution.

K Kanimozhi, speaking to news agency ANI, emphasized Tamil Nadu's opposition to NEET, citing concerns over fairness and the impact on students. The resolution passed by the Tamil Nadu Assembly awaits presidential approval.

The NEET-UG 2024 Examination, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on May 5, witnessed participation from over 23 lakh candidates at 4,750 centers across 571 cities, including 14 cities abroad. The perfect score achieved by 67 candidates prompted nationwide protests.