Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Stands Firm Against NEET: A Call for Change
Support for NEET Protests
Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister, C. Joseph Vijay, has voiced his strong backing for the protests against the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), condemning the police's treatment of opposition leaders during recent demonstrations in Delhi. He urged the central government to recognize the feelings of students and the populace of Tamil Nadu, reiterating his party's persistent demand for the complete elimination of the NEET examination. The protests were ignited by opposition leaders convening at Parliament to address alleged discrepancies in the NEET process, with notable figures like Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra participating in black attire. Following these events, numerous Congress leaders faced police detentions at a local market.
In light of these occurrences, Vijay criticized the detainment of opposition figures, denouncing the police's actions as undemocratic. He took to the social media platform X to share his discontent, asserting that the arrest of leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, who stood with the youth protesting NEET irregularities, was intolerable. He condemned the Union government's actions and expressed unwavering support for the protests taking place within the Parliament complex, organized by opposition parties in response to the previous day's incidents. Vijay stressed that his party has always opposed the NEET examination and would not resort to false promises for political advantage.
Vijay proposed a comprehensive solution to the ongoing dilemma, advocating for the transfer of education from the concurrent list to the state list, thereby granting states the authority to determine their educational policies. He argued that to abolish tests like NEET, education must first be shifted to the state list, which he views as the only lasting resolution. In case of legal or procedural hurdles, he suggested establishing a special concurrent list as a temporary measure to empower state governments over general and medical education. This vision was articulated during an educational awards ceremony hosted by his party, where he underscored the necessity for state autonomy in educational affairs.
Moreover, Vijay called on the Union government to listen to public sentiment and act accordingly, reiterating that the NEET examination must be entirely abolished. He maintained that this is the sole feasible solution to the ongoing debate surrounding NEET, which remains a divisive issue nationwide. While various opposition parties have demanded the examination's cancellation, the central government has shown a willingness to engage in parliamentary discussions regarding the NEET paper leak and associated issues. Vijay's recent remarks have once again brought the matter to the forefront, as he firmly supports the students' protests and reiterates his call for the complete abolition of NEET.