A mob of 100 workers from the National Students Union of India (NSUI), the Congress’ student wing, stormed the Delhi office of the National Testing Agency (NTA) in protest against alleged irregularities in the NEET medical entrance exams. The NTA is currently under scrutiny following question paper leaks and other controversies surrounding the exam.
Videos and photographs from the scene show a crowd of protesters marching down a tree-lined avenue and entering the NTA building, chanting and shouting as they charged inside. One video depicts a metal padlock on the front door with a poster reading “no more corrupt NTA.” Inside, protesters gathered in a courtyard, holding more posters denouncing the agency.
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In other footage, protesters can be heard shouting, “NTA bandh karo, bandh karo,” calling for the shutdown of the NTA.
This protest occurred just hours after the Indian Youth Congress, the Congress’ youth wing, demonstrated near Parliament during President Droupadi Murmu’s address to a joint session. Addressing the NEET exam controversy, President Murmu assured that the government is “committed to a fair investigation” into the matter.
NEET Exam Controversy
The NEET exam, taken by nearly 24 lakh students on May 5 for entry into medical courses, has been marred by controversy since the results were announced.
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Members of NSUI today held a massive protest demonstration at National Testing Agency (NTA) office calling for a ban on the agency, in view of recent exam irregularities
As LoP Rahul Gandhi promised, Congress is fighting the battle of NEET Aspirants pic.twitter.com/qgujunLIls
— Ashish |…. (@Ashishtoots) June 27, 2024
Unusually high numbers of perfect scores raised suspicions, with 67 students, including six from one coaching center, achieving the maximum score of 720. Concerns were also raised about the award of ‘grace marks’ to 1,563 students, which the NTA claimed was not standard protocol.
Also Read: CBI makes 2 arrests from Patna in NEET UG paper leak scam
Following numerous arrests by police forces from Bihar, Maharashtra, and Delhi, the CBI has taken over the investigation, suggesting a nationwide corruption racket might be involved. The CBI recently arrested Manish Kumar and Ashutosh, who allegedly facilitated the transport and lodging of students provided with the leaked question paper.
Political Repercussions
The NEET and UGC-NET exam controversies have fueled political tensions, with the ruling BJP and the Congress-led opposition clashing over allegations of leaked question papers, preferential marking, and the operation of ‘solver gangs.’ During a recent session, opposition members heckled Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan as he took his MP’s oath, shouting “NEET” and “shame.” Minister Pradhan assured that the government is taking the issue seriously and has established a high-level investigative committee to address the concerns.
