NEET 2024: Govt Assures Transparency Amid Exam Irregularities

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan reiterated the Modi government's commitment to a transparent and error-free NEET examination system. He announced a high-level committee to revamp the National Testing Agency (NTA) following Supreme Court's refusal to cancel NEET-UG 2024. The Supreme Court cited the absence of systemic breach evidence.

Amid allegations of irregularities in the NEET 2024 examination, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan affirmed the government's commitment to a transparent and error-free examination system. Speaking at a press conference following the Supreme Court's decision not to cancel the NEET-UG 2024 exam, Pradhan stressed, "For us, zero tolerance of any kind of breach is our priority when it comes to exams for students, be it for higher education or jobs." He highlighted the Modi government's enactment of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act to ensure strict enforcement.

Reacting to the Supreme Court's ruling, Pradhan said, "Presenting our side before the Supreme Court, we have promised that our government is committed to having a transparent, tamper-free and zero-error examination system." He also announced the formation of a high-level committee to conduct a comprehensive overhaul of the National Testing Agency (NTA).

"Taking this commitment forward, we announced a high-level committee for a complete revamp of the NTA. That committee is working with dedication...The committee has collected expert opinions and studied various models...They will submit a report soon," he stated. Pradhan addressed concerns from students protesting against the alleged irregularities, assuring them, "We are committed to making NTA error-free. In this process, all those involved in these irregularities will not be spared. Strict legal action will be taken. The CBI is doing its job."

The Supreme Court ruled that there was no systemic breach in the NEET 2024 exam. A bench comprising Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra noted the absence of evidence suggesting a systemic leak or vitiation of exam results. However, the court acknowledged confirmed leaks at Hazaribagh and Patna, noting that 155 students appeared to benefit from the fraud.

(With inputs from agencies.)