Government Takes Action Amid NEET Exam Protests
New NTA Chief Appointed and High-Level Committee Formed
The Indian government has taken significant steps in response to ongoing protests over the postponement of NEET exams. The Director General of the National Testing Agency (NTA), Subodh Kumar Singh, has been replaced by Pradeep Singh Kharola.
Additionally, the Ministry of Education has formed a high-level committee of experts led by Dr. K. Radhakrishnan, former chairman of ISRO and IIT Kanpur. This committee includes experts like Dr. Randeep Guleria, former Director of AIIMS, and academicians Aditya Mittal and Prof. Ramamurthy K from the IIT system.
The committee’s goal is to ensure transparent, smooth, and fair conduct of examinations. They will make recommendations on reforms in the examination process, improvements in data security protocols, and the structure and functioning of the NTA. The committee will hold its first meeting on June 24 and is expected to provide recommendations within two months.
In response to input from the Ministry of Home Affairs’ I4C unit regarding the UGC-NET 2024 examination, the Education Ministry has handed over the case to the CBI for a detailed inquiry. The CBI is also investigating alleged irregularities in the NEET (UG) Examination 2024.
The government has assured strict action against anyone involved in irregularities related to the NEET (UG) 2024 Examination. To curb unfair practices and paper leaks, the Public Examination Act has been notified, which includes provisions for a fine of Rs 1 crore and up to 10 years in jail for offenders.
The NEET-PG exam was postponed after the UGC-NET was cancelled due to a paper leak on the darknet. The NTA, which conducted the NEET-UG exams, is facing criticism and protests across the country, with demands to disband the agency.
