Centre not giving NEET exemption to deprive backward people of benefits: DMK

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on Tuesday said the Centre was reluctant in giving exemption from the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) as they want to deprive the backward class of availing benefits.

Tamil Nadu is irked over the NEET examination being concentrated on CBSE syllabus, with 98 percent of students studying the state syllabus, leading to a poor result in the test.

DMK spokesperson Saravanan said the state government is not asking for any favour from the Centre, but it is their right to demand so.

He said when the bill is sent for the President's assent, he gives his approval, but in this case the Centre is delaying the process.

"I think this is because the Centre thinks giving NEET exemption would not align with their policies. There policy is to ensure that the backward class does not get benefits, and whatever benefits they are getting, they should be denied of it. That is why the Central Government is reluctant to give exemption from NEET," Saravanan told ANI.

The DMK spokesperson also targeted guns at the Tamil Nadu Government and said it is not serious about the issue, but is posing as if it is doing its best in the matter.

"They want to use these leverages to escape prosecution from several cases staring at the AIADMK ministers, including the Chief Minister. We don't expect them to do something for the welfare of the people of Tamil Nadu. They are there save their skins. That is why they don't put pressure," he said.

On July 20, DMK working president M.K. Stalin had demanded that if the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) is tendering its support to the National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) Vice-Presidential nominee, then it should also demand exemption from the medical entrance exam from the Centre.

"The ruling party (AIADMK) should demand exemption from the NEET for their support to the Vice-Presidential election," Stalin said.

On July 19, Tamil Nadu MPs, belonging to both, the DMK and the AIADMK, came together in the Rajya Sabha demanding exemption from the NEET.

Human Resources Development (HRD) Minister Prakash Javedekar said the government has "taken note of everybody's pleas" and the issue was discussed with everyone.

The government also said that it had given its views on the legislation passed by the state government for exempting Tamil Nadu from NEET and it was now up to the President to take a view on it.

On July 27, the DMK will be holding a human chain protest against the NEET in all the districts of the state.