'Syllabus, regional language' the bone of contention: Centre on NEET row

Amid the ongoing controversy over the decision to clear an ordinance to keep state boards out of National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) ambit this year, Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda on Friday said the Centre is in tune with the Supreme Court's observation, adding the two main issues of contention at this point of time is syllabus and the regional language for the examination.

Nadda said the ministers and concerned persons of a few states raised the issue of language and syllabus post the Supreme Court's verdict.

"We are in the consultation process. After the consultation process is complete, we will come to a decision. We will let you know whenever we arrive at a decision. We want to arrive at a decision within two days. So, therefore, the consultation is on. There are two issues: syllabus and the regional language," Nadda told ANI.

"We have held consultations with all (political parties) and taken note of their views. We would like to move ahead on this with consensus," he added.

Nadda further said there is no difference between the Supreme Court and our observation.

"We are worried just about the operational points," he added.

The Supreme Court had earlier refused to modify its April 28th order making NEET mandatory for admission to undergraduate medical courses across the country for the academic year 2016-2017.

The apex court order had implied that all government colleges, deemed universities and private medical colleges would be covered under NEET and those examinations which had already taken place or were slated to be conducted separately stand scrapped.

Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda had discussed the issue with State Health Ministers.

Around 6.5 lakh students have already sat for the first phase of NEET held on May 1. The next phase of the exam is scheduled for July 24.