Patna: The Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) has strongly criticised the central government and the National Testing Agency (NTA) in the wake of recurring controversies surrounding the NEET paper leaks. The organisation has demanded a free, fair, and independent inquiry into the alleged irregularities, emphasising that the probe must be free from any political influence or conflict of interest.
IDPD Calls for Accountability
In a joint statement, IDPD president Dr Arun Mitra and general secretary Dr Shakeel Ur Rahman highlighted that the persistent issues point to significant administrative lapses. They stressed the urgent need for accountability at appropriate levels within the testing system.
Concerns Over NTA's Functioning
The organisation expressed serious concerns about the functioning of the NTA, noting that over its nine years of existence, several examinations have been postponed. This pattern, the IDPD said, warrants a comprehensive review of the agency's processes to ensure secure and credible testing mechanisms.
The IDPD also expressed deep concern for the students affected by the situation. Approximately 23 lakh NEET aspirants and their families are facing uncertainty and immense stress due to the repeated disruptions. The organisation underscored the importance of maintaining fairness and transparency in the examination system to protect the interests of students.
Impact on Public Confidence
The statement further warned that repeated disruptions could severely undermine public confidence in the education system. For students who invest years preparing under challenging circumstances, any disruption in the examination process has a profound and lasting impact.
The NTA had cancelled the NEET examination on Tuesday following allegations of paper leaks and other irregularities. The IDPD's call for an independent inquiry reflects growing demands for systemic reforms to prevent such controversies in the future.
