Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced on Saturday that the NEET UG examination has been cancelled to protect the rights of students, asserting that malpractices will not be tolerated. The decision comes amid allegations of irregularities in the exam process, which had sparked widespread protests and demands for a re-test.
Government's Stand on Malpractices
Addressing a press conference, Pradhan emphasized that the government is committed to ensuring a fair and transparent examination system. 'The cancellation of NEET UG is a step to safeguard the interests of honest students,' he stated. 'We will not allow any malpractice to undermine the credibility of such competitive exams.'
Details of the Cancellation
The Minister revealed that the decision was taken after a thorough review of the situation. The National Testing Agency (NTA) will conduct a fresh examination at a later date, the schedule for which will be announced soon. Pradhan assured that the new exam would be conducted with enhanced security measures to prevent any foul play.
Reactions from Students and Opposition
While many students welcomed the move, opposition parties criticized the government for the delay in action. 'The cancellation is a victory for student rights,' said a protester. However, some questioned the timing, citing the inconvenience caused to lakhs of aspirants who had prepared for months.
Future Course of Action
The Ministry of Education has formed a committee to investigate the lapses and recommend measures to strengthen the examination process. Pradhan reiterated that the government's priority is the welfare of students and that strict action would be taken against those found guilty of irregularities.
The NEET UG exam is conducted annually for admissions to medical and dental colleges across India. This year, over 18 lakh students had registered for the test.
