NEET not as neat for some

It is almost a month since the minister of sports and youth affairs of Tamil Nadu state government Udhayanidhi Stalin alleged the Governor of the state as a Rashtriya SwayamSevak Sangh (RSS). Undoubtedly the remark should not have happened. It is unbecoming for a minister to deliver such a statement on a Constitutional authority which is meant to be non-partisan and the bulwark of federalism. The statement came as part of the ongoing tussle between the State and the governor on the issue of the medical entrance test, National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET).

The Tamil Nadu government is looking for an exemption from the NEET examination raising multiple claims which we will consider soon. A bill for the same target was passed in 2021 and sent to the governor for assent, the final part. The governor withheld his assent in 2022 and later reserved the same for the president's assent (Article 200). From now the governor has no meaty role to play it is on the shoulders of the President to assent, withhold, or return for reconsideration legislative assembly (Article 201).

NEET was initially proposed in 2012, with the intention to replace the All India Pre-Medical Test (AIPMT) and other State medical entrance tests. The debut NEET was held in 2013, however, the battle in the courtroom ended declaring the test as unconstitutional in the very same year. Later in 2016 Supreme Court recalled its earlier verdict and allowed the Medical Council Of India to conduct the exam. After overcoming severe challenges, NEET has now become the sole entrance test for those who are looking for a medical career.

Now we shall be looking into the reasons for the prolonged 'war' between NEET and Anti-NEET parties. NEET came as a solution for multiple state tests which certainly lack uniformity. The syllabus, resources, and pattern can vary from one state to the other. In this sense, NEET offers a level playing field. A single entrance test for multiple institutions reduces the burden on students. A single year of full-fledged preparation might help him/her to crack one of the top colleges. Integration of medical education is another issue that can be sufficed by NEET. For example, A student from Kerala now has an opportunity to study in Punjab without much struggle. He will be exposed to the culture, society, geography, and environment of that particular state. All these have a crucial role to play in public health, thus helping in his or her future medical career. A similar kind of policy was adopted Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) by amending the cadre system of Civil Servants. The above-mentioned exposure also provides individual benefits, more exposure means the potential for more job opportunities and a wider scope for research in the field. Circumventing multiple state entrance tests prevents saturation of graduates which was one of the reasons behind the flooding of engineers. Even after all these many are still concerned, since our intention is to analyze multiple angles of this topic we will be delving into that now.

Protest against a single uniform exam was raised in the inception stage itself. Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu were the main among them. But only Tamil Nadu has taken firm action through a legislative bill. Hence I will be following the inductive method by putting forward the arguments of the Tamil Nadu government, A K Rajan committee findings, and people's opinions in general.

The foremost is about the unfair advantage to Central Board of Education (CBSE) students. The syllabus, pattern, and reference books all favor CBSE students who follow NCERT books. This puts a great wall in front of a student who followed state board education for the lion's share of the period. Even toppers of state boards are failing to crack the exam. Students from poor socio-economic backgrounds are severely hit. Another claim is the need for private coaching and advantage pursued by repeaters. It Rings true because the Indian coaching industry is worth more than 300000 Cr and a good percentage of candidates getting admission are repeaters. Most of the coaching institutes are settled in urban areas which can potentially supplement the rural-urban divide. Doubtlessly these affects underprivileged groups, but also put them under mental stress and ultimately end their life. The state government alleges the hindrance to state education and thereby federal structure created by the Union government. It is partially true just because education is a part of the concurrent list after the emergency(1975). According to the State government meddling by the Union government put pressure on the state's health sector, culture, and language.

But why is Tamil Nadu still the only state to take rigorous steps? It is applaudable to see a democratically elected government concerned about the health, education, and future of the state but whether the abrogation is the right step. After communicating with some medical students and aspirants I believe I'm acquainted with NEET to explain. NEET clearly favors CBSE students. The syllabus is in line with NCERT 11 and 12 textbooks. However, what they shared with me is many state board textbooks are exact photocopies of NCERT. That means state boards are trying to grab the content and maintain the quality of NCERT. Another insight is about private coaching. A majority believes NEET (entrance ) is a different ball game thus coaching has a big role to play, even if he or she is a school topper. Time management, precise knowledge, and mock tests (practice) are indispensable parts of entrance which can be only achieved through dedication of a good amount of time. The fear of intervening culture and language are negligible to a limit because of the domicile clause (85% seats for domicile).

As the country is in a position with a demographic dividend where almost 60% of people belong to the non-dependent group (15- 60) it is high time to prioritize and revamp the health, education, and job sector. In that scenario, the skirmishes between the Tamil Nadu and Union Government have to be resolved soon. Bringing uniformity is not a bad move even if it intervenes with the Concurrent list of the Constitution. One Nation One Ration Card scheme which allows us to purchase ration from any Fair Price Shop (Ration shop) is a great example. The state government can possibly bring changes in the textbooks to align with NCERT similar to other states. Adequate coaching facilities within the school can also be considered which can help poor students. Measures to improve mental health and counseling centers to prevent unwanted thoughts from young minds have to be arranged. The state can provide tablets similar to the BJUS tablet program to students in place of grinders, mixers etc which are often flooded during election season as freebies. Necessary alterations have to be made in the pattern of the exam in order to accommodate every board student without any bias. Thus a level playing field has to be provided. 5 out of the top 50 in 2023 were from Tamil Nadu which clearly depicts the potential of students. Equipping them with the right 'resources' is the need of the hour.

Open for criticism

Nithal S Rahman

nithalrahman@gmail.com