KTR demands thorough inquiry into NEET exam fiasco, respite to affected students

HYDERABAD: Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president KT Rama Rao (KTR) on Sunday demanded a comprehensive investigation into NEET examination fiasco and immediate punishment for those responsible for the issues affecting the future of lakhs of students in the country.

In an open letter to the NDA Government KTR has criticised the handling of the NEET exam, stating that the confusion surrounding the examination has dashed the hopes of students and parents who dream of seeing their children become doctors.

KTR condemned the central government for its inaction despite reports that NEET question papers were being sold in Bihar for up to 30 lakhs each, with several arrests already made. He accused the central government of neglecting its responsibility and adopting a lackadaisical attitude towards the NEET entrance exam from the outset.

“Despite numerous allegations and suspicions surrounding the prestigious NEET exam, the Modi government has not yet responded. Why the Prime Minister, who frequently holds discussions with students about exams, has remained silent on the critical issue of NEET,” KTR said.

In his open letter to the NDA government, KTR demanded a thorough investigation into the entire matter and strict action against those found responsible. He also called for reassurance to be given to students and their parents.

KTR highlighted the unprecedented scenario of 67 students achieving the first rank in NEET, which raised numerous suspicions. He noted that eight students from the same centre scored 720 marks each, suggesting paper leakage. He reminded the Government that even a single mark difference could change students' rankings and result in many losing opportunities. KTR questioned how so many students from one center could score such high marks and criticised the announcement of results ten days early, coinciding with the election results day, which added to the suspicions.

KTR demanded an explanation from the Central Government for not taking action despite the gravity of the situation coming to light. He also criticized Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for attempting to cover up the issue by claiming everything was in order.

KTR emphasised that despite numerous complaints from students, the Centre failed to respond. Even prominent individuals filing cases in the Supreme Court did not prompt a clarification from the centre, he added. He said that the Central Government ignored the issue until the Supreme Court intervened and noted that the National Testing Agency (NTA) provided unusual responses when questioned.

Raising the issue of awarding grace marks in NEET this year to 1563 students, KTR pointed out that the practice of grace marks was not typically applied in exams like NEET. He demanded clarity on the criteria used for awarding these marks and questioned the NTA's handling of the matter.

He urged the MPs from Telangana to take steps to ensure that the state's students do not suffer due to the irregularities in NEET. KTR asked central ministers and MPs from the state to put pressure on the NDA government. He demanded immediate action from the Central Government to address the issue and provide clarity to the public on who is responsible for the malpractices in NEET. KTR also called for measures to ensure that students affected by the irregularities are given justice without further inconvenience.

He emphasised that the issue was not limited to NEET but could affect several competitive exams conducted under the NTA's supervision, which could lead to a loss of trust among students. KTR called for stringent measures to prevent such incidents in the future and reassured that the BRS would fight for the rights of students affected by these irregularities.