Centre has declined consent for Tamil Nadu anti-NEET bill, says CM MK Stalin

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Friday informed that the Assembly resolution seeking NEET exemption for the state, that was sent for Presidential assent, has been declined. Nevertheless, the state would continue its struggle to abolish the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), he said and announced that an all-political party meeting has been convened on April 9, in this regard.

Terming the rejection as "dark chapter in federalism," the Chief Minister who informed the House on the latest development, accused the Centre of disregarding the will of Tamil Nadu people and the Assembly bill, too. "Despite the Tamil Nadu government furnishing all necessary clarifications through various ministries, the Union government has now rejected the exemption from NEET," Stalin said.

"A committee was formed under the chairmanship of a retired judge, passed unanimously in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly twice. Even after providing all the explanations requested by the Union Government ministries, the NEET exemption law, which is the choice of the entire people of Tamil Nadu, has been denied approval! This is a dark chapter in the history of Indian federalism! A great injustice done to the democratic system! Let's uphold justice! Let's continue the struggle to abolish NEET!," the minister said in a post in Tamil on X.