CHENNAI: Leader of the opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami on Saturday said Tamil Nadu students and their parents are confused over the conduct of NEET for medical admission this year against the backdrop of the DMK’s poll promise that the competitive examination would be abolished.
In a statement, the former chief minister said the Medical Council of India had already stated that NEET would be held across the country as per the guidance of the Supreme Court.
“Ahead of the recommendations of the Justice A K Rajan commission, the state government should clarify whether the students should participate in NEET or not,” Palaniswami said.
The previous AIADMK regime had extended an exclusive quota of 7.5% for the government school students after the Supreme Court had upheld the NEET for graduate and PG programs in medicine and dental courses.
The quota benefited 435 students last year and their educational expenses for five years would also be met by the state government.
Palaniswami recalled raising a query in the recent assembly session about the DMK’s poll promise and chief minister M K Stalin’s reply that action would be taken based on the recommendations of the commission.
“I asked the chief minister whether we have examinations this year or not or whether the students should prepare for the examination or not.
The chief minister did not reply directly,” the former CM said, adding that the AIADMK’s stand was against holding NEET.