'Govt Ready For Discussion, But...': Education Minister Pradhan On Oppn Demand For Debate On NEET-UG Exam Row

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan is open to discussing irregularities in the NEET medical entrance exam. But, he requested the opposition not to confuse students.

Union Education Minster Dharmendra Pradhan arrives to attend the Parliament session, in New Delhi, on Friday, June 28, 2024.

Source : PTI

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said on Friday that the government is ready for discussion on the medical entrance exam NEET, but emphasised that it should take place as per tradition and by maintaining decorum. Following the adjournment of the Lok Sabha amid opposition protests calling for a discussion on alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG exam, Pradhan requested the opposition not to confuse students.

"The government is ready for every kind of discussion, but everything should happen following norms and maintaining decorum. The President spoke about the exam in her speech yesterday and it shows the government's intention that we are ready to face any issue," PTI quoted Pradhan as saying outside Parliament.

He said the responsibility of government is towards the youth and students of the country. "When the government is ready to put forth its side then what is the confusion? We are going to take the strictest action and the CBI is going to nab everyone (involved). We will not spare anyone," Pradhan said.

'We Are Not Going To Spare Anyone': Dharmendra Pradhan On NEET-UG Exam Row

The NEET-UG exam which was conducted by the NTA on May 5 with around 24 lakh participants, had its results announced on June 4, followed by allegations of irregularities and question paper leaks in states such as Bihar.

"We are not going to spare anyone. Those in charge of NTA have been removed and the responsibility has been given to senior officials. All of this is proof of the government's commitment. I want to appeal to the opposition that they should not confuse the students," Pradhan also said, PTI reported.

"A credible high-level committee has also been formed for reforms. Soon, the dates of all those exams (postponed or cancelled) will also be announced. I request the opposition to join the discussion," he added.

President Droupadi Murmu has addressed a joint session of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on Thursday.

The Lok Sabha has allocated 16 hours for the debate on the Motion of Thanks on the address of the President. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to speak to the debate on Tuesday.