Chennai. The Tamil Nadu Assembly on Tuesday passed a resolution demanding abolition of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) for admission to medical undergraduate courses. Through the proposal, the state government has once again requested the Central Government to end the centralized system of medical admission and restore the old system of admission on the basis of 12th board exam marks. There was a heated debate in the House regarding the proposal. BJP MLA M. Bhojrajan protested against this and walked out of the House just before the voting.
Minister KG Arunraj presented anti-NEET proposal
State Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare Minister KG Arunraj presented an anti-NEET resolution on the floor of the House. He urged the Center to end the existing centralized system of admission to medical courses and make necessary amendments in the central laws related to it. The state government cited alleged irregularities in the examination, growing influence of expensive coaching system and mental pressure on students as the main reasons for protesting against NEET. The resolution also mentioned student suicides.
Demand for admission on the basis of 12th marks
The Tamil Nadu government asked the Center to make necessary changes in the relevant central laws, including the National Medical Commission Act, 2019, the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine Act, 2020 and the National Commission for Homeopathy Act, 2020. The government says that once the old system is restored, admission to medical courses in the state can be done on the basis of marks obtained in the 12th board examination.
Issue raised by rural and Tamil medium students
The proposal termed NEET as contrary to the principles of social justice and equality and said that the impact of centralized entrance examination falls more on students from rural and economically weaker sections. The state government particularly raised the issue of the difficulties faced by students studying in Tamil medium and who cannot afford expensive private coaching. The government alleges that the NEET-based system has diverted students' attention from regular school curriculum and focused on preparing for the entrance examination.
The Assembly had passed the bill in 2021 also
Tamil Nadu has already demanded exemption from NEET. After DMK came to power in the year 2021, the Assembly had passed a bill related to exempting the state from NEET. However, the Bill was reserved for the President's assent and could not be assent. Now, through a new proposal, the Tamil Nadu government has once again put forward its demand for exemption from NEET before the Centre.
Proposal against FCRA 2026 Amendment Bill also
Another special resolution related to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) 2026 was also introduced in the Tamil Nadu Assembly on Tuesday. Minister Rajmohan said that the objective of FCRA is to control foreign funds coming into the country, so that national security, public order and sovereignty are not adversely affected. He informed that the Central Government has introduced the FCRA 2026 Amendment Bill in the Parliament. The state government objected to the additional powers being given to the Center through amendments in the proposal.
Tamil Nadu government demanded the Center to withdraw the bill
The state government says that regulation of foreign donations is necessary, but it should be in accordance with the Constitution, law and principles of federalism. The government claimed that the proposed changes could impact educational institutions, hospitals and other organizations. In the resolution, the Tamil Nadu Assembly urged the Central Government to withdraw the FCRA Amendment Bill. The state said any new framework relating to foreign contributions must ensure justice, protection of legitimate assets and respect for the principles of federalism.
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