Congress MP Syed Naseer Hussain and CM Mamata Banerjee Speak Out on NEET and UGC-NET Paper Leaks

New Delhi, India – Congress MP Syed Naseer Hussain has raised concerns in the Rajya Sabha about the recent paper leaks in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) for medical undergraduates and the cancellation of UGC-NET due to integrity issues. He submitted a suspension of Business Notice under Rule 267 to discuss these issues.

Hussain stated, ‘That this House do suspend all listed business of the day to discuss the unprecedented cases of paper leaks in conduct of exams, including NEET-UG and UGC NET and the failure of National Testing Agency (NTA).’

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the abolition of NEET and a return to the previous system where state governments conducted the exams. She highlighted issues such as paper leaks, bribes, and grace marks, which jeopardize students’ careers and the quality of medical education.

Banerjee emphasized that the earlier decentralized system was more effective and aligned with regional curricula. She noted that states spend significant amounts on medical education and should have the freedom to select students through their own entrance exams.

Chief Ministers of Kerala and Tamil Nadu have also called for scrapping NEET. Amidst the controversy, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered a criminal case on June 23 to investigate the alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on May 5, 2024. The exam saw over 23 lakh candidates, with 67 achieving a perfect score, leading to widespread protests.

The Ministry of Education has formed a high-level committee to recommend reforms in the examination process and improve data security protocols.