NEET Row: Govt open to discussion, provided opposition maintain decorum, says Dharmendra Pradhan

NEW DELHI: Following recent issues with the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and the cancellation of the UGC-NET over integrity concerns, union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan stated that the government is willing to engage in discussions regarding the NEET paper leak, provided that the opposition maintain the standards of parliamentary decorum..

On Thursday, President Draupadi Murmu, in her address to the joint session of Parliament on Thursday, said that stern action would be taken against all those involved in the NEET paper leak. Commenting on this, Pradhan said, "Hon’ble President in her address to both the Houses of the Parliament, spoke about the need to ensure transparency in examinations. The remarks reflect our government's intentions and commitment towards ensuring integrity in examinations."

Government open to discussion on NEET issue

In response to heightened protests by opposition members of parliament concerning the recent controversies surrounding the NEET, Dharmendra Pradhan reiterated the government's readiness for discussions while emphasizing the importance of maintaining parliamentary decorum. Pradahan said, “The opposition can discuss, debate and put forward their suggestions during the Motion of Thanks to the President's address. When the government is ready for discussions and giving an opportunity, why such confusion? ’’

Pradhan urges opposition to maintain decorum

Talking to the media reporters, he said, "The government is ready for every kind of discussion, but everything should happen within tradition and decorum. When the President herself spoke about the exam in her speech yesterday, it shows the government's intention that we are ready to face any issue. The government's responsibility is towards the youth of the country, towards the students of the country".

NEET Controversy: Strict action against wrongdoers

Asserting the government's responsibility towards the nation's youth and students, Pradhan affirmed, "The government is ready to put forth its side, then what is the confusion?" He further assured stringent action against those responsible for any wrongdoing, asserting, "We are going to take the strictest action and the CBI is going to catch everyone, we will not spare anyone."

NEET, UGC NET exam dates to be announced soon, says Pradhan

Pradhan also mentioned the establishment of a credible high-level committee and said that the forthcoming examination date will be announced soon.

NEET Paper Leak: Urges opposition to not politicise the matter

In an appeal to the opposition, he urged them to prioritize national interest over politics and collaborate in discussions aimed at finding constructive solutions. "A credible high-level committee has also been formed for reform, soon the date of all those exams will also be announced. I also request the opposition to come out of politics and join the discussion," said Pradhan.