Protestors in Chennai demand NEET abolition

Post Pradhan’s resignation, protestors in Chennai say abolishing NEET is their goal Protests in Chennai against the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) have shown little signs of dying down, despite widespread calls for an end to the nationwide demonstrations against the contentious medical entrance exam. In fact, the withdrawal of the agitation by the Cockroach Janta Party in New Delhi has not seemed to impact their momentum, as they continue to push for their goal of abolishing NEET altogether. The protests in Chennai have taken on a life of their own, with groups of students from various schools and colleges gathering at the Balan Illam in the heart of the city..

This makeshift rally, attended by scores of young students and supporters, shows no signs of abating, as they chant slogans and brandish placards demanding an end to the cruel and unfair test. Eyewitnesses report that the mood at the Balan Illam is one of fervour and determination, with protesters convinced that their collective action will ultimately lead to the demise of the exam. These young minds assert that the 12th standard boards are enough to determine one’s aptitude for medical studies, and therefore, there is no need for a separate entrance exam..

However, the city administration is yet to take a definitive stance on this contentious issue. While officials have expressed concern about the protests, they have thus far declined to impose any restrictions on the protests, choosing instead to engage with the protesters and try to reason with them. A senior official, on condition of anonymity, said, We understand the frustration of the students but are trying to ensure that the protests remain peaceful and within the bounds of the law..

We can’t afford to alienate the students, as they are the very people we need to work with in the future. Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu Government has reiterated its commitment to supporting the NEET protests, reiterating its stance that the exam perpetuates unequal access to education. The government has maintained that the exam favours students from English medium schools and those from privileged backgrounds..

This sentiment has resonated deeply with students like Nivedha, who has been at the forefront of the protests. NEET is just one form of oppression among many, she said, We want to fight for the rights of students from rural areas, from government schools and from the Dalit community. We will not rest until NEET is abolished once and for all..

Despite the Tamil Nadu government’s support, the protests have sparked a nationwide debate. Many experts argue that NEET has standardised the entrance criteria for medical colleges across the country, making it more inclusive and representative of the country’s diverse education system. However, opponents argue that NEET has led to significant stress and anxiety for many students, forcing them to prepare extensively for the exam, at significant personal and financial cost..

They also argue that the exam is not the best measure of a student’s academic abilities. One parent, Priya, has expressed deep concern about how her 16-year-old son, who is in high school, is already feeling immense pressure from the impending exams. I fear that the pressure is beginning to affect his mental health..

He spends hours every day studying and has barely any time for relaxation or leisure. This cannot be the way forward for our children, she said. Despite the differing opinions, the protests are unlikely to subside anytime soon..

Activists say that a massive rally is planned for the next weekend, where they intend to block traffic and disrupt normal life in the city. A key figure behind the protests is Jayanth, a 25-year-old activist who claims that the current system is stacked against students from poor backgrounds. The NEET protests are not just about the exam, but about the inherent inequalities in our country’s education system..

We will not rest until we have achieved total equality of opportunity for all students, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status, he said. As tensions continue to escalate, authorities remain on high alert. With over a thousand protesters gathering at the Balan Illam, this makeshift rally poses a significant challenge for law enforcement..

The city’s police commissioner has warned that any violent protests will be met with firm action, but activists remain defiant, promising to continue their peaceful protests. The city’s students and authorities remain braced for the next phase of the protests, which is expected to be one of the largest yet..