The High Court of Madras has slammed the state government of Tamil Nadu for opposing National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). Justice N. Kirubakaran made some crucial observations on the issue and questioned the government for underestimating the standard of education and ability of students in the state. He further indicated that no other state had opposed implementing NEET and it is a shame that the government of Tamil Nadu opposed it.
Also read: - Common Counselling will be Conducted by States for UG and PG Medical Courses
The court had made these crucial observations while hearing some petitions that were seeking allotment of 50% of PG medical seats in private colleges to government quota. The Judge posed a question to the state government for opposing NEET when the counsel representing the state government regarding the Bill passed by State Assembly to exempt NEET. President of India, Pranab Mukherjee did not respond on the Bill and the matter is still pending.
Also read: - Common Counselling for Medical Courses in NEET Grabs Positive Response
Later, the court passed interim orders and directed Medical Council of India to file an affidavit on the number of seats allotted to PG medical courses in various colleges across the state and how these seats were filled last year. The court further directed that the Medical Council of India will have to mention the procedure to be followed for filling PG medical seats this year.
Justice N. Kirubakaran further pointed that most of the private medical colleges in the state are not following the guidelines and MCI is not playing any role in regulating and monitoring these institutions. Most of the private institutes are becoming business firms by collecting capitation fee. Therefore, proper steps must be taken by MCI to monitor the private medical institutions.