ArpitGarg's Weblog

Cabinet has passed an ordinance today delaying NEET for a year, National Level Entrance Exam for Medical colleges. Though Govt is yet to give a reason, what we have heard till now is, it is for the benefit of students who are hassled by sudden imposition of NEET.

Nothing could be farther from the truth. To make the issue simple to understand, let me cite the movie, Sivaji-The Boss, where in Rajinikant fought against politicians who have made Medical education a flesh trade. Private medical colleges owned by big politicians earn a lot in lieu of capitation fee. Private entrance exams where students are asked to leave the answer sheet empty, and later the middlemen in conjunction with college authorities fill up the sheets. Going rate is as high as 1 crore rupees.

This is what NEET aims to eradicate. I urge PM Modi not to succumb to the pressure from states for some quid pro quo in Rajya Sabha. GST can wait, NEET can’t. Just think for a bit, when we have national level exam for engineering colleges, why is the hue and cry for medical exams? The issue here is the dearth of good Medical colleges. Private colleges are owned majorly by big politicians. Govt colleges have very less seats.

Since cabinet has already passed the Ordinance, it is a matter of time when President signs it. It’s now left to the Supreme Court to strike down the ordinance. I don’t have high hopes though. The political privilege has acted out.