Tamil Nadu Govt Tables Bill Against NEET, Demands Students' Admission Based On Class 12

Meanwhile, the AIADMK supported the NEET resolution but walked out during the Assembly as a form of opposition against DMK.

MK Stalin (File Photo)

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Monday passed a Bill in Tamil Nadu Assembly seeking permanent exemption from National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) to Tamil Nadu students in admissions to undergraduate medical courses. The Bill "The Tamil Nadu Admission to Undergraduate Medical Degree Courses Bill, 2021" passed in the Assembly also sought to admit students based on the marks of the students received in Class 12. 

Addressing the Tamil Nadu Assembly, Stalin said, it is wrong that NEET improved the standard of medical education since Tamil Nadu was among the states with a high number of MBBS and dental colleges. Many students from TN emerged as qualified MBBS and BDS students. 

Hence, the CM said, TN is introducing the Bill that seeks to select candidates based on their Class 12 marks.

Further, CM said, the Bill will ensure social justice along with uploading equality and equal opportunity. The Bill will also protect students from underprivileged backgrounds against discrimination and include them in mainstream medical and dental education. 

He also remembered NEET aspirants Anitha and Dhanush, who took their own lives due to NEET.  Earlier, the DMK-led government also passed a resolution against NEET. 

Meanwhile, the AIADMK supported the NEET resolution but walked out during the Assembly as a form of opposition against DMK. The Opposition leader from AIADMK Edappadi K Palaniswami accused DMK of being responsible for the death of a 19-year-old medical aspirant in Salem district since DMK did not clarify their stand and kept students and parents confused over NEET. A NEET aspirant Danush took his own life due to the fear of attempting the competitive exam for the third time hours before NEET on Sunday.