Each time a student commits suicide in Tamil Nadu citing his/her failure to clear the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test(NEET) for admission to the undergraduate courses in medical colleges, a chorus erupts in the State from Dravidian political parties and fringe elements to do away with the all India entrances examination once and for ever.
The fallout of the suicide by a 19-year-old Vignesh in Ariyallur district who resorted to the extreme step out of fear that he would not be able to clear the Saturday’s test was no difference. Udhayanidhi Stalin, son of DMK chief M K Stalin, was the first VIP to call on the family of Vignesh to console his grief-stricken family.
Chief Minister Edappadi Planiswami announced a solatium of Rs seven lakh to the family and a Government job for a member of the family. The DMK and other Dravidian parties have raised the pitch either to abolish NEET or to exempt the State from the screening test.
But politicians cover up the fact that the victim had cleared the NEET 2019 and got admission to the BDS course. “But he did not join. It was his dream to pursue MBBS,” said Solomon, his friend.
Narayanan Tirupati, BJP spokesman, said the demand by the DMK to scrap the NEET is a sign of hypocrisy. “It was the UPA Government of which the DMK was the crucial ally that brought in the NEET system. Stalin and the then party chief M Karunanidhi had wholeheartedly supported the move. Now the DMK is asking for abolishing the NEET shows it’s double standard,” said Narayanan.
He pointed out hundreds of students in Tamil Nadu have committed suicide after failing in tenth standard and Plus Two examination. “Have they asked for the abolition of tenth standard and plus two examinations? There are more which meet the eye. Most political parties in the State have their own medical colleges and they are worried over the loss of income in the form of admission fees,” said Narayanan.
There are some hidden agendas behind the demand to scarp NEET, he alleged.