Health Minister Defends NEET amid Paper Leak Allegations

Health Minister J P Nadda defended the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) amid paper leak controversies, asserting it curbed corruption in medical education. Nadda stated that medical seats were previously sold for exorbitant amounts. Despite opposition calls to scrap NEET, he highlighted its expansion and inclusivity since its introduction.

Health Minister J P Nadda on Friday staunchly defended the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) amid controversy over paper leaks, asserting that the examination played a pivotal role in curbing corruption in medical education. Nadda highlighted that before NEET's introduction, medical education had become a lucrative business with post-graduate seats being sold for staggering amounts ranging from Rs 8 crore to Rs 13 crore.

During a discussion initiated by DMK member M Mohmed Abdulla in Rajya Sabha, Nadda intervened, emphasizing that the NEET has significantly reduced corruption and increased accessibility to medical education. He pointed out the rapid expansion of the exam's reach, with the number of cities and examination centers seeing a substantial rise.

Despite opposition voices, primarily from Congress, advocating for the scrapping of NEET due to paper leak incidents, Nadda emphasized NEET’s role in bringing diverse social categories into medical education, with notable increases in representation from economically weaker sections and other disadvantaged groups. The debate continues as the Supreme Court reviews the matter.