Temporary NEET exemption for Tamil Nadu; state now needs to pass ordinance

NEW DELHI: The Centre on Sunday announced temporary exemption for Tamil Nadu from the medical entrance exam — National Entrance Cum Eligibility Test ( NEET).

Union minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the exemption would help rural students get admission in government medical colleges. Noting that this was unique to the state, she ruled out any further exemptions. Sitharaman, official sources said, was among the senior ministers who played a key role in getting the NEET crisis solved. This comes a day after PM Modi met CM EK Palaniswami and other ministers in New Delhi. Sitharaman held extensive consultations in the last few months to get the right picture on the issue.

Currently, medical college admissions across the country are done on the basis of NEET scores. However, the ruling AIADMK and its arch rival, DMK, have been opposing the examination. The issue is politically important as Tamil Nadu had abolished entrance exams about a decade ago and, till now, medical seats are offered on the basis of Class 12 marks.

“State BJP wasn’t keen on going against Centre,” a state BJP leader said. TN now needs to pass an ordinance specifying that the exemption is sought to help rural students to get admission in government colleges.