New Delhi: Tensions escalated today as the Opposition, led by the Congress party, announced nationwide protests on June 21, demanding justice following alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination. The controversy has prompted a high-level meeting convened by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, involving Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Health Minister J P Nadda, and a representative from the Prime Ministers Office.Amit Shah discussed allegations of paper leaks Sources familiar with the meeting disclosed that Shah extensively discussed allegations of paper leaks and irregularities with stakeholders, including the National Testing Agency (NTA). The session, held at Shahs residence, lasted over an hour, during which details of FIRs related to NEET-UG, particularly in Bihar, were presented.SIT formed under EOU Bihar has responded by forming a special investigation team (SIT) under its economic offences unit (EOU) to probe the alleged paper leaks. Simultaneously, authorities in Gujarat have focused on two exam centers in Godhra, where five individuals have been arrested for purportedly aiding candidates in manipulating their OMR sheets.Possible malpractices The Bihar SITs initial findings suggest possible malpractices, with arrests made including candidates, parents, and alleged facilitators involved in accessing the NEET question paper before the exam. In response to mounting concerns, the Ministry of Education issued a statement seeking a comprehensive report from Bihar Police regarding the allegations in Patna. The ministry emphasized its commitment to upholding exam integrity and ensuring justice for affected students.During the meeting, the Home Minister was briefed on the NTAs analysis of exam results from suspect centers in Patna and Godhra. Despite suspicions of irregularities, the analysis reportedly indicates no significant advantage for candidates under scrutiny. Critically, details emerged that most candidates implicated in the Patna investigation scored below the threshold required for admissions to government medical colleges under the all-India quota, further complicating the issue.Congress party calls for protests tomorrow The meeting coincided with heightened political tensions, as the Congress party intensified its criticism of the governments handling of the NEET-UG issue. The party has called for extensive protests across state capitals to demand justice for students affected by the alleged irregularities.No evidence of corruption Earlier statements by Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan downplayed allegations, stating no evidence of corruption but acknowledging anomalies reported. He underscored the governments commitment to address specific instances and ensure stringent action against wrongdoers.NEET UG results controversy The NEET-UG results, announced on June 4, have sparked controversy with anomalies in scoring patterns and allegations of leaks, challenging the credibility of the examination process. The NTA has attributed discrepancies to several factors including an easier paper and procedural errors during the exam.As investigations continue and political pressure mounts, the government faces a critical test in restoring trust in the integrity of national-level examinations.
