June 13th 2024.
The Education Minister of India, Dharmendra Pradhan, addressed the media on Thursday to address the allegations of paper leak in the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET-UG), the medical entrance exam. He stated that there is no concrete evidence to support the claims of paper leak and assured that the government is taking all necessary steps to ensure that no student is at a disadvantage.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) had announced the results for NEET-UG on June 4, which was met with accusations of corruption and irregularities. Pradhan, who has taken charge as the Union Education Minister for the second time, defended the credibility of NTA and stated that it conducts exams for over 50 lakh students annually.
He also addressed the recent decision of the NTA to award grace marks to 1,563 candidates for admission to MBBS, BDS and other courses. The decision was cancelled by the Supreme Court, but the NTA has offered the candidates the option to take a re-test on June 23. If they choose not to, their earlier marks without the grace marks will be considered for the results. Pradhan clarified that the grace marks were awarded based on a Supreme Court formula and any anomalies will be rectified to ensure that no student is at a disadvantage.
The NTA has been under scrutiny for alleged irregularities and inflation of marks in NEET-UG. The Ministry of Education had set up a four-member panel, headed by former UPSC chairman Pradeep Kumar Joshi, to review the grace marks awarded to the 1,563 students. Pradhan assured that the panel thoroughly reviewed each grievance before making their recommendations.
The Supreme Court had expressed concerns about the sanctity of NEET-UG 2024, but the NTA has denied any wrongdoing. The court, however, did not put a stay on the counselling process for admissions. The Centre has informed the apex court that the results of the re-test will be declared on June 30 and the counselling process will begin on July 6.
In conclusion, the Education Minister reiterated that the government is committed to ensuring a fair and transparent process for all students appearing for NEET-UG and no student will be unfairly affected. The ministry will continue to take necessary steps to maintain the integrity of the exam and address any concerns raised. This is in line with the government's efforts to provide equal opportunities and promote merit-based admissions in the field of higher education.
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