Chief Minister MK Stalin, addressing the Tamil Nadu State Assembly on Friday, conceded that only the Union government holds the authority to grant Tamil Nadu an exemption from the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). This admission came amidst discussions over the DMK’s pre-election promise to secure such an exemption.
Debate Over NEET Exemption
Leader of Opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) initiated the exchange by questioning the DMK government’s progress on its 2021 Assembly election promise to exempt the state from NEET. In response, CM Stalin reiterated the promise but clarified that the state government lacks the power to implement such an exemption. He stated that a government led by the INDIA bloc at the Centre could have fulfilled the promise, asserting that the DMK would pursue this goal under such circumstances.
DMK’s Stand on NEET
Stalin emphasized that the DMK has always opposed NEET, even during its alliance with the Congress-led government at the Centre, where DMK MP Gandhiselvan served as Union Minister of State for Health. He pointed out that the DMK had successfully obtained a temporary exemption through the courts during its earlier tenure.
He also criticized the AIADMK-led previous regime for its handling of the NEET exemption bill, accusing them of not disclosing its status for a year after forwarding it to the President.
Opposition’s Retorts
EPS countered Stalin’s claims, attributing the introduction of NEET to court rulings during the Congress-DMK coalition at the Centre. He accused the DMK of doublespeak on the issue, arguing that they had acknowledged the Union government’s sole authority over NEET even during the election campaign. EPS also mocked the INDIA bloc, suggesting it had already disbanded and had no chance of forming a government at the Centre.
Political Implications
The discussion underscores the complex political interplay between state and Union governments concerning NEET. Tamil Nadu’s opposition to the exam stems from concerns over its impact on students from rural and marginalized backgrounds, who often find it challenging to compete against urban, CBSE-educated candidates.
CM Stalin’s remarks reflect the limitations of state governments in influencing national policies like NEET. The debate also highlights the DMK’s strategy to align with broader opposition coalitions like the INDIA bloc to address state concerns at the national level. However, the political feasibility of such efforts remains uncertain, particularly in light of the opposition’s fragmented stance at the national level.
