Kerala Assembly Demands Reform of National Entrance Exams Amidst NEET Irregularities

The Kerala assembly has formally urged the Union government to reform the national entrance examination system, citing widespread irregularities and a paper leak in the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET). A resolution adopted by the assembly calls for decisive action to restore credibility and transparency in the conduct of professional entrance examinations across the country.

The resolution, moved by Higher Education Minister Roji M John, garnered support from the United Democratic Front (UDF) and the Left Democratic Front (LDF) members. However, the two Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislators opposed the resolution, objecting to its critical tone towards the Union government. The minister emphasized that the current situation threatens the integrity of examinations like NEET, pointing to systemic deficiencies and technical faults at examination centers.

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It is condemnable that the Union government and relevant authorities are failing to take corrective steps and recognise the seriousness of the glitches despite so many accounts of irregularities.

According to the resolution, these recurring irregularities significantly impact students who dedicate years to preparation, violating their constitutional right to equality. It condemns the Union government and relevant authorities for their perceived failure to address the glitches promptly. The assembly demanded strict criminal proceedings against responsible officials and a robust effort to dismantle organized examination malpractice networks.

Furthermore, the resolution stressed the importance of incorporating the suggestions of State governments into policy decisions regarding entrance examinations, noting that education falls under the Concurrent List of the Constitution. An amendment proposed by BJP MLA V Muraleedharan to remove the criticism directed at the Union government was defeated, leading to the adoption of the resolution by a voice vote.

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It is important to strengthen an effective mechanism to ensure that the views and suggestions of State governments are duly considered while policy decisions on entrance examinations are taken. Education is a subject in the Concurrent List of the Constitution.