2 weeks ago
Anti-NEET Protests Continue in Chennai Despite Assembly Resolution
Many people in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu are upset about a test called NEET.
This test decides who gets into medical school to become a doctor.
They say the test is unfair because only students whose families can pay for expensive classes do well, and kids from villages or poor families are left behind.
The state government made a formal statement asking for Tamil Nadu to be allowed to not use NEET.
But some protesters say that is not enough and want the test completely removed.
A former tax officer named Balamurugan has stopped eating to show how serious he is, and people are worried about his health.
Another group is gathering every day in Egmore, using music and plays to spread their message.
Earlier, Tamil Nadu passed a law to skip NEET, but the national government did not approve it.
The protesters hope the state Governor will now approve the new request.
Everyone wants the same thing: a fair chance for all students who dream of becoming doctors.
Two anti-NEET protests continue in Chennai's Tiruvottiyur and Egmore despite the Tamil Nadu Assembly passing a resolution opposing the exam.
Former Indian Revenue Service officer Balamurugan's indefinite hunger strike, running since July 27, entered its 20th day with demands for a NEET exemption for Tamil Nadu.
Balamurugan also seeks the resignations of the Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and is fasting from home as no venue was allotted.
The Anti-NEET Federation-Tamil Nadu ended its 12-day hunger strike after the Assembly resolution, while the Anti-NEET Federation-Tamil Nadu also wants education restored to the State List and NEET eventually abolished.
A separate 24-day sit-in by the OG Tamizha collective at Egmore's Thayagam Complex uses music, theatre and dance under the slogan "Let's celebrate resistance" and urges Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar to approve the resolution.
- Who
- Former IRS officer Balamurugan (on indefinite hunger strike), the Anti-NEET Federation-Tamil Nadu, the OG Tamizha collective and other campaigners, opposing the Tamil Nadu government and central authorities.
- What
- Continuing protests demanding the abolition of or a Tamil Nadu exemption from the NEET medical entrance examination, despite the Tamil Nadu Assembly passing a resolution opposing NEET.
- Where
- Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India - specifically Tiruvottiyur and Egmore.
- When
- Ongoing; Balamurugan's fast is in its 20th day since July 27, and the Egmore sit-in has run for 24 days.
- Why
- Campaigners say NEET favours students able to afford expensive coaching and reduces opportunities for rural, poor and disadvantaged students, undermining equality in medical admissions.
Hardline anti-NEET campaigners
Moderate campaigners and state government
Response to the Assembly resolution
Hardline anti-NEET campaigners
The resolution is not enough; only complete abolition of NEET can protect disadvantaged students, so Balamurugan and the Egmore protesters continue their agitations.
Moderate campaigners and state government
The Assembly resolution answered a key demand, leading the Anti-NEET Federation-Tamil Nadu to end its 12-day hunger strike.
Path to removing NEET
Hardline anti-NEET campaigners
NEET should be completely abolished and education returned to the State List so states can set their own admission policies.
Moderate campaigners and state government
The state government pursued an exemption through legislation - its 2024 Bill sought NEET exemption for Tamil Nadu but did not receive presidential assent, leaving the exam in force.
Key facts
- Event
- Anti-NEET protests across Chennai
- Locations
- Tiruvottiyur and Egmore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Balamurugan's protest
- Indefinite hunger strike since July 27, now on day 20, conducted from his home as no venue was allotted
- Egmore sit-in
- 24 days at Thayagam Complex, Rukmani Lakshmipathi Road, 3 p.m.-9 p.m. daily by the OG Tamizha collective
- Key demands
- NEET exemption for Tamil Nadu, eventual abolition of NEET, education restored to the State List, and resignations of CJI Surya Kant and Union Home Minister Amit Shah
- 2024 exemption Bill
- Passed by the then DMK government; did not receive presidential assent
- Governor action sought
- Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar urged to approve the Assembly resolution
Quotes
Health and Medical Education Minister K.G. Arunraj
Tamil Nadu Health and Medical Education Minister
“"NEET favoured students able to afford expensive coaching and weakened attention to the school curriculum. The examination has reduced opportunities for rural, poor and socially disadvantaged students, undermining equality in medical admissions."”
thehansindia.com
Sources
Related news
Tamil Nadu Assembly Passes Unanimous Resolution Seeking NEET Abolition
Tamil Nadu Assembly Passes Anti-NEET Resolution, Seeks Class 12 Admissions
Tamil Nadu Assembly Opposes FCRA Bill, Demands Scrapping NEET
Tamil Nadu Assembly Unanimously Passes Resolution Seeking NEET Abolition
Tamil Nadu Assembly resolution seeks NEET abolition; BJP stages walkout
TVK’s Vijay-for-PM Push Meets Congress Resistance Ahead of 2029
Congress Backs Rahul Gandhi Over Vijay for 2029 PM
Tamil Nadu Moves to Withdraw Farmers’ and Teachers’ Protest Cases
Vijay Government to Withdraw Cases Against Farmers, Teachers
Tambaram Councillors Flag Water, Drainage and Civic Inaction
