Govt issues stern warning for NEET

The Union Government on Friday issued a written warning that the “full might and weight of law” will fall on anyone who tries to distort, disrupt, or tamper with the integrity of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) re-exam scheduled to be held on June 21. NEET-UG was held on May 3, but was cancelled on May 12 amid allegations of a paper leak. The CBI is investigating the case and has made several arrests.

Sources said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been in a routinely following and reviewing the preparedness for the Re-NEET. Cabinet Secretary TV Somanathan at a meeting on Friday reviewed the preparedness for NEET, which is the basis for admission to undergraduate medical courses in all medical institutions. During the meeting, Somanathan emphasised the need for ensuring a smooth, transparent and secure conduct of the re-examination through close coordination among all concerned stakeholders, a Government statement said.

“The Union Government, State Governments and district administration are working together in close coordination to ensure smooth conduct of the NEET re-examination. The full might and weight of law will fall on any person trying in any manner to distort, disrupt, or tamper with the integrity or smooth conduct of the re-examination,” the statement quoted the cabinet secretary as saying.

Last week the Cabinet Secretary reviewed with the chief secretaries of the State Governments to assess the preparedness and progress of the arrangements.

Officials said the Ministry of Home Affairs has asked the CRPF and the CISF to provide security during transportation of the question papers.