Nagpur: In compliance with directives from the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court, multiple NEET-UG examination centres across the city have enhanced arrangements to ensure student safety during Sunday's exam. With temperatures soaring, exam authorities swiftly installed air coolers and fans and ensured the availability of drinking water at several centres, addressing concerns over student welfare in heatwave conditions.
Court Directive Spurs Action
The High Court had instructed authorities to provide basic facilities for candidates appearing for the exam. Noting the lack of proper ventilation, cooling arrangements, access to potable water, and basic medical support, the bench cautioned that such shortcomings could expose candidates to risks of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and other heat-related ailments.
Improved Facilities Reported
Students who appeared for the exam reported a noticeable improvement in facilities compared to previous years. Samaira Bhattad, who took her exam at Government Polytechnic, Sadar, said the arrangements significantly eased the discomfort caused by the heat. "I've appeared for several govt exams before. This time, the experience was much better. There were coolers, fans, and drinking water available, and the staff even refilled our bottles regularly," she said.
At Kamala Nehru College, similar measures were observed. Aarushi Basode noted that the centre had made sufficient arrangements to ensure a comfortable environment. "The presence of coolers, fans, and cold drinking water in classrooms made a big difference," she said.
Proactive Measures at Other Centres
Other centres also implemented proactive measures. At Madhukar Rao Wasnik College, student Mrunal Lande said the administration prioritised health precautions, including distributing water bottles to candidates to prevent dehydration. "The environment inside was well-maintained, and students felt safe despite the heat," Lande added.
At the VIT examination centre, Kalash Jikar described the arrangements as comprehensive. "All rooms had functional coolers, and officials ensured that students were not made to stand in direct sunlight during verification," he said.
These measures reflect the swift response by exam authorities to the High Court's concerns, ensuring a safer environment for thousands of aspiring medical students.
