UP re-NEET UG 2026: Yogi Adityanath announces 50% bus fare concession for candidates

Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday announced a 50 per cent concession in state-run bus fares for NEET candidates, while ordering strict enforcement of norms during Muharram processions. Chairing a high-level review meeting via video conferencing on law and order, upcoming festivals, NEET preparations and International Yoga Day arrangements, Adityanath said Muharram is an occasion for mourning and remembrance and should not be used for displays of strength.

He directed district administrations and police authorities to establish advance coordination with local stakeholders and ensure that law and order is maintained in every district. "No display of arms or weapons should be permitted during Muharram processions. Any attempt to disturb peace or create disorder must be dealt with firmly," he said.

Referring to past incidents, the chief minister instructed officials to strictly regulate the use of high-volume DJs, drums and other sound equipment. He also directed authorities not to allow the introduction of any new traditions during Muharram observances. To prevent accidents, he ordered that tazias must conform to prescribed safety standards and said permission should not be granted for structures exceeding 10 to 12 feet in height.

Also read 'Don't Delay It Further': Aspirants slam demand to postpone Re-NEET 2026

50% UPSRTC fare cut for re-NEET candidates

"Everyone's faith should be respected, but the creation of new traditions will not be acceptable under any circumstances," he said. Reviewing arrangements for the re-NEET examination scheduled on June 21, Adityanath said around 3.5 lakh candidates are expected to appear for the test in 59 districts of the state. He announced that candidates would be entitled to a 50 per cent concession on Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) bus fares upon producing their admit cards.

The chief minister also directed district administrations to provide temporary accommodation facilities for candidates travelling to other districts for the examination and lacking lodging arrangements. Emphasising the need to maintain the sanctity and transparency of the examination process, he instructed officials to strictly adhere to guidelines issued by the National Testing Agency (NTA).

He also called for close monitoring of social media platforms and swift action against rumours, misinformation and misleading content related to the examination. Reviewing preparations for International Yoga Day on June 21, Adityanath described yoga as a priceless heritage of India's cultural and spiritual traditions and an effective means of promoting physical and mental well-being.

He said yoga has gained worldwide recognition due to the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and noted that this year's theme is "Yoga for Healthy Ageing". The chief minister directed officials to ensure live telecast of the Prime Minister's programme across the state. He said International Yoga Day would be observed in all of the state's more than 58,000 gram panchayats and 762 urban local bodies, with elected representatives participating in every programme.

Also read Not Just JEE, NEET: Plans for IIT Kanpur - SATHEE go far beyond coaching to ‘routine school support’

Officials were directed to prioritise collective yoga sessions at Amrit Sarovars, historical monuments and cultural sites. In urban areas, suitable venues are to be identified in around 14,000 wards for conducting the events.

3.5 lakh expected for re-NEET June 21

Adityanath also ordered a special cleanliness drive on June 20 involving the Urban Development, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj departments in coordination with educational institutions. He instructed authorities to strengthen security arrangements at yoga venues, ensure regular police patrolling and involve police lines and Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) battalions in Yoga Day activities.

The chief minister called for active participation by voluntary organisations, Health and Wellness Centres, religious and social groups, yoga institutions, the National Cadet Corps (NCC), Bharat Scouts and Guides and National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers. He directed officials to organise yoga programmes at district, tehsil, block and gram panchayat levels and launch extensive awareness campaigns to maximise public participation.

Adityanath further instructed all districts to appoint nodal officers for the successful conduct of events and ensure the presence of either an elected representative or a government nominee at every programme. He also advocated organising yoga sessions in industrial areas and police establishments, describing the initiative as a mass movement driven by public participation.

Reviewing public grievance redressal mechanisms, including the Chief Minister's Helpline, Janata Darshan and the Integrated Grievance Redressal System (IGRS) portal, the chief minister expressed concern over unsatisfactory disposal rates in some districts. He warned that districts with poor performance would have to improve immediately, failing which accountability would be fixed and action taken against responsible officials.

Also read NTA launches facility to report suspicious claims ahead of re-NEET UG 2026

Adityanath directed that districts currently without a Chief Medical Officer (CMO) must be provided one within the next three days and emphasised that field-level postings should be made strictly on merit. The meeting was attended by divisional commissioners, district magistrates, police commissioners, zonal Additional Directors General of Police, Inspectors General of Police, Senior Superintendents of Police, Superintendents of Police and other senior government officials.