The Aryavarth Express
Agency (Tamil NAdu): Tamil Nadu’s dominant political force, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), has reiterated its stance for the removal of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), arguing that its abolition is crucial to curbing student suicides and halting cheating incidents. The party’s official publication, “Murasoli,” highlighted distressing statistics in its latest editorial, pointing out that NEET-related pressures have led to the deaths of 26 individuals in Tamil Nadu alone. Furthermore, it was reported that, nationwide, 119 students committed suicide in the last eight years while preparing for this examination.
In an alarming revelation, the editorial shared that the Rajasthan state government reported 24 student suicides last year linked to the rigorous academic demands of NEET preparation. These tragedies underscore the persistent and systemic issues surrounding the entrance exam.
The DMK also brought attention to numerous cheating incidents across various states, including impersonation scandals and illicit assistance provided within examination centers, that compromise the integrity of NEET. Specific cases noted included a medical student caught impersonating another candidate in Maharashtra and several students in Rajasthan who reportedly left an exam center early to aid others still taking the test.
Amidst these controversies, the recent arrest of 24 individuals—comprising students, invigilators, and parents—in various locations such as Patna, Delhi, Rajasthan, and Jharkhand for alleged involvement in a NEET question paper leak has intensified scrutiny and criticism of the examination’s administration. The DMK continues to campaign vigorously for NEET’s abolition, presenting it as the definitive measure needed to protect student welfare and ensure fairness in the educational arena.