Amidst the ongoing controversy surrounding examinations conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas penned a letter to Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday, expressing his apprehensions regarding the NEET and UGC-NET exams. He alleged that the BJP-led government’s policies have resulted in the ‘saffronisation’ of education. In his letter to Pradhan, CPI(M) MP Brittas advocated for the discontinuation of the centralized NEET, suggesting that its scope should be limited to central medical institutions such as AIIMS, PGIMER, and JIPMER. He also called for a comprehensive review of the NET to restore the autonomy of universities and uphold the academic standards and transparency of the examination process. Brittas sharply criticized the NEET and UGC-NET, highlighting numerous issues including question paper leaks, arbitrary awarding of grace marks, and the alleged ‘saffronisation’ of examination content. He asserted, “It is the need of the hour to discontinue the centralized NEET, limiting its scope to central medical Institutions like AIIMS, PGIMER, JIPMER, etc. Similarly, it is also imperative to have a comprehensive review of the NET to restore the autonomy of universities and to uphold the academic standards and transparency.” He further emphasized that states and universities are better equipped to address the diverse educational needs and challenges of their students. He argued that allowing them to administer their own exams would ensure a more equitable, contextualized, and effective evaluation process. The Rajya Sabha MP underscored the detrimental impact of these exams on the federal structure and the autonomy of state educational institutions. He also pointed out the disproportionate favouritism of NEET towards the CBSE curriculum, which disadvantages state board students and economically weaker sections. Brittas also criticized the promotion of costly extra coaching, which he believes erodes equal educational opportunities. He expressed his strong disapproval of the recent UGC decision mandating the use of NET scores for PhD admissions from the 2024-25 academic session onwards, replacing entrance tests conducted by various central, state, private, and deemed universities. Addressing concerns about the ‘saffronisation’ of education, he cited recent NET questions for performing arts, which included content such as the Pran Prathishta date of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, the composition of the ‘Prasthan Trayi’ of Hindu Philosophy, the appearance of Lord Hanuman in Ramacharit Manas, and the beheading of a warrior in the Mahabharata who remained alive to witness the Kurukshetra war. Notably, the UGC cancelled the UGC-NET examination on Wednesday, a day after it was held. The UGC-NET is a test designed to determine the eligibility of Indian nationals for the award of junior research fellowships, appointments as assistant professors, and admission to PhD programs in Indian universities and colleges. The Ministry’s decision comes amid a significant row over the medical entrance exam NEET, with allegations of irregularities and the issue currently being heard by the Supreme Court. NEET is a nationwide entrance examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to undergraduate medical programs.
Rajya Sabha MP Demands Scrapping of NEET, UGC-NET, Citing ‘Saffronisation’ and Exam Irregularities
