NEET : Centre rules out permanent exemption for TN

In a setback to Tamil Nadu's attempt for keeping the National Eligibility and Entrance Test (NEET) away, union minister for Commerce Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday said that Union government could consider only one-year exemption from the exam if the State promulgates an ordinance.
 
"Centre cannot give a permanent exemption for Tamil Nadu. The Union Government could co-operate if the State promulgates an ordinance seeking exemption from NEET for one year and that too for the admissions to government colleges only", the minister said.
 
Nirmala Sithraman also agreed Tamil Nadu's data that rural students seeking medical admissions found very difficult to crack NEET. "We have seen the statistics. It shows that rural student's admissions were very less in government colleges because of the exam. Still, 4,000 students are waiting", she pointed out.
 
"I explained everything to our Prime Minister about Tamil Nadu's position in connection with the NEET. I also asked him to consider the State's request", she said.
 
Stating that Tamil Nadu was facing the unique situation with regard to NEET, the minister advised the State government to bring out curriculum change so that rural students will not find difficult in facing NEET exams. "Special coaching could also be given to them", she added.
 
At a time when several states have come under the purview of the NEET, Tamil Nadu was, perhaps, the only state that has been steadfastly opposing it and wanted the present system of admission to medical and dental UG courses based on the Plus-2 marks.