Amid the uproar over the NEET-UG 2024 examination irregularities, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan assured on Thursday that the government is committed to student welfare and that those responsible for the paper leak will face strict action. The central government, in collaboration with the Bihar government, is investigating the issue, with a detailed report expected soon. Additionally, a committee has been formed to improve the functioning of the National Testing Agency (NTA).
Key Points:
- Investigation in Bihar: Dharmendra Pradhan stated that credible information is being gathered from Patna, and strict action will follow based on the investigation’s findings. Thirteen people, including aspirants, have been arrested in Bihar in connection with the paper leak. These arrests have implicated individuals allegedly linked to officials associated with Tejashwi Yadav.
- Student Concerns and Protests: The controversy began when students noticed unusually high marks for some candidates, including 67 students scoring a perfect 720. This led to suspicions of irregularities, further fueled by reports of paper leaks. Student bodies and political youth wings have been protesting nationwide, demanding a retest and thorough inquiry.
- Grace Marks Controversy: The NTA initially awarded grace marks to 1,563 students, which was later canceled after widespread outrage. The affected students are now given the option to retake the test on June 23.
- Supreme Court Involvement: The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Centre, NTA, and others regarding several petitions, including those seeking the scrapping of the NEET-UG 2024 exam and a court-monitored probe. The apex court has also stayed proceedings on similar pleas pending in different high courts but has clarified that it will not stay the counseling process.
- NTA’s Role and Future Measures: The NTA, responsible for conducting NEET-UG examinations for admissions to medical and related courses, is under scrutiny. A committee has been set up to improve its functioning, aiming to prevent such issues in the future and ensure the integrity of the examination process.
This ongoing controversy highlights the challenges and complexities involved in conducting large-scale examinations and underscores the need for robust mechanisms to ensure their fairness and transparency.
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