NEET BILL

NEET BILL

TOPIC: Indian Polity

Context- Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi has returned to the Assembly Speaker a Bill seeking to dispense with NEET- based admissions for under- graduate medical degree courses.

Concept-

About NEET

• It is an all-India pre-medical entrance test for students who wish to pursue undergraduate medical (MBBS), dental (BDS) and AYUSH (BAMS, BUMS, BHMS, etc.) courses.
• The exam is conducted by National Testing Agency (NTA).
• The NEET has replaced the formerly All India Pre-Medical Test (AIPMT).

TN law: Permanent Exemption for NEET

• The Bill exempts medical aspirants in Tamil Nadu from taking NEET examination for admission to UG degree courses in Indian medicine, dentistry and homeopathy.
• Instead, it seeks to provide admission to such courses on the basis of marks obtained in the qualifying examination, through “Normalization methods”.
• The aim of the Bill is to ensure “social justice, uphold equality and equal opportunity, protect all vulnerable student communities from being discriminated” & “mainstreaming of medical and dental education particularly the rural areas”.

Why TN is against NEET?

• Non-representative: TN opposes because NEET undermined the diverse societal representation in MBBS and higher medical studies.
• Exams for the elite: It considers NEET not a fair or equitable method of admission since it favored the rich and elite sections of society.
• Healthcare concerns: If continued, the rural and urban poor may not be able to pursue medical courses.
• Disfavors the poor: It has favored mainly the affordable and affluent sections of the society and thwarting the dreams of underprivileged social groups.

Can any state legislate against NEET?

• Admissions to medical courses are traceable to entry 25 of List III (Concurrent List), Schedule VII of the Constitution.
• Therefore, the State can also enact a law regarding admission and amend any Central law on admission procedures.
• Yet, as far as matters relating to the determination of standards for higher education are concerned, the central government has the power to amend a clause or repeal an Act.