Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, calling for an immediate parliamentary debate over growing concerns over the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). Gandhi, in his letter, emphasised the Opposition's repeated requests for a discussion on the NEET controversy, which were denied in both Houses of Parliament on June 28.
"Our aim is to engage constructively to find a way forward," Gandhi wrote. "At this moment, our only concern is the welfare of nearly 24 lakh NEET aspirants across India. Lakhs of families have made tremendous personal sacrifices to support their children. For many, the paper leak is a betrayal of a lifetime dream".
NEET, crucial for admission to medical colleges across India, has faced severe criticism due to instances of paper leaks. Gandhi noted that in the past seven years, over 70 such leaks have impacted more than 2 crore students.
Criticisng the government's handling of the issue, the Congress leader said the decision to postpone other examinations and replace the Director General of the National Testing Agency (NTA) was inadequate and only masked deeper issues within the education system.
"The government's move to postpone other examinations and replace the Director General of the National Testing Agency is a move to cover up the systemic breakdown of our centralised testing system. Our students deserve answers," Gandhi said.
In his letter, Gandhi called for a parliamentary debate as the first step towards rebuilding trust in the education system. He urged Prime Minister Modi to facilitate this debate and suggested that the Prime Minister should lead it.
"Given the urgency of the matter, I request the government to facilitate a debate in the House tomorrow. I believe that it would be fitting if you were to lead this debate in the interest of the students," the Lok Sabha LoP said in his letter.
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