NEET Controversy: DMK Lawmaker Seeks Abolition of NEET and NTA Through Private Member Resolution, Sparks Debate

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) legislator Mohamed Abdulla introduced a private member resolution in Parliament, on Friday, demanding the abolition of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and the National Testing Agency (NTA), which administers these exams. Abdulla argued that NEET and NTA infringe on the autonomy of state governments and disadvantage domiciled students in medical education.

Health Minister JP Nadda countered the resolution, stating that NEET has dismantled the “business hub” of medical education, providing students from various backgrounds the opportunity to pursue medical careers. Despite Nadda’s opposition, the resolution garnered support from parties like the Congress and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPI (M). However, the likelihood of the resolution passing remains slim.

Understanding Private Member Resolutions and Bills

Private Member Resolutions and Bills: A private member, or any lawmaker who is not a minister, can introduce a resolution or a bill. These initiatives aim to highlight important issues and attract the attention of the House and the government. A resolution, which can also be moved by the Chair, serves to underscore the significance of a subject.

Binding Nature of Resolutions: If a resolution, such as the DMK’s call to abolish NEET and NTA, is passed, it reflects the sentiment of the House but is not legally binding on the government.

Process for Private Bills: Private members can introduce bills on various topics, including constitutional amendments. Each Friday afternoon, when the House is in session, is reserved for lawmakers to present private bills.

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Success Rate of Private Bills: Historically, few private member bills have been enacted into law. The first successful private member bill was the Muslim Wakf Bill, passed in 1952. The Supreme Court (Enlargement of Criminal Appellate Jurisdiction) Bill, 1968, became law in 1970, marking the last such instance. In 2015, a private member bill for the protection of transgender rights passed in one of the two Houses of Parliament.

Debate on State Autonomy and Medical Education

Abdulla’s resolution has reignited the debate over state autonomy in medical education. He claimed that NEET and NTA impose unjust conditions on state-domiciled students and undermine state governments’ control over medical admissions. The support from Congress and CPI(M) highlights a broader opposition to the centralization of medical entrance examinations.

Health Minister Nadda defended NEET, asserting that it has democratized access to medical education by curbing malpractices and ensuring merit-based admissions. Despite this, the resolution’s backing by several opposition parties indicates ongoing discontent with the current system.

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