Tamil Nadu: 19-Year-Old Dies By Suicide Over 'Failure To Clear NEET', Deputy CM Condemns 'Centre's Fascism'

Punitha, who had been preparing for the NEET exam for over a year at a coaching center in Rasipuram, Namakkal district, was distraught after being unable to secure a seat through the test.

The local police have registered a case and initiated an investigation into the incident.

Source : Pixabay

Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin expressed deep sorrow following the suicide of S. Punitha, a 19-year-old from Bodinaickenpatti near Edappadi in Salem district, who took her life after failing to clear the NEET medical entrance exam.

Punitha, who had been preparing for the NEET exam for over a year at a coaching center in Rasipuram, Namakkal district, was distraught after being unable to secure a seat through the test. Despite attending online counseling for paramedical courses, she could not find a placement, which further aggravated her distress. On October 8, Punitha ended her life by hanging herself at home.

The local police have registered a case and initiated an investigation into the incident.

In a message shared on the social media platform X, Udhayanidhi Stalin said, "I was deeply saddened to hear the news that young sister Punitha from Salem district committed suicide in frustration of not being able to study medicine due to the NEET examination. My heartfelt condolences go out to her parents and relatives, who are grieving the loss of their beloved daughter because of the NEET ordeal."

சேலம் மாவட்டத்தைச் சேர்ந்த தங்கை புனிதா, நீட் தேர்வால் மருத்துவம் படிக்க முடியாமல் போன விரக்தியில் தற்கொலை செய்து கொண்ட செய்தியறிந்து மிகுந்த வேதனையுற்றேன்.

நீட் சூழ்ச்சியால் தங்களுடைய அன்பு மகளை இழந்து தவிக்கும் அவரது பெற்றோர் மற்றும் உறவினர்களுக்கு எனது ஆறுதலையும்,…

— Udhay (@Udhaystalin) October 9, 2024

 

He further criticized the central government, remarking, "No matter how many lives have been lost due to the injustice of NEET in Tamil Nadu, even though the entire Tamil Nadu unanimously opposes it, the Union Government's tendency to ignore the issue is the height of fascism. The government should immediately cancel the NEET exam, which has been playing with the lives of Tamil Nadu students for seven years."

The issue of NEET has been a deeply contentious one in Tamil Nadu, with many students and political leaders, including Udhayanidhi Stalin, vocally opposing the exam due to the pressure it places on students, especially those from marginalized backgrounds.

(If anyone faces mental health issues or knows anyone having suicidal feelings, seek emotional support with helpline numbers from suicide prevention organizations. Helpline: Sneha Suicide Prevention Centre - 044 24640050)