Bengaluru: Karnataka Medical Education Minister Dr. Sharanaprakash R. Patil on Tuesday termed the cancellation of the NEET examination as the “biggest scandal” of the Central government and accused the BJP-led Centre of repeatedly failing to prevent irregularities in the national medical entrance test.
Addressing reporters in Bengaluru, the minister said the National Testing Agency’s decision to cancel the May 3 NEET examination following allegations of question paper leaks had pushed lakhs of students into uncertainty.
“NEET controversies and irregularities have been recurring for the past several years. The Centre is fully responsible for this mess,” he alleged.
Dr. Patil said repeated requests made to the Union government seeking corrective measures were ignored, leading to another major controversy. He demanded strict action against those involved in the alleged leak racket.
“Wherever question papers are leaked, crores of rupees are exchanged. This is nothing but corruption,” he charged.
Expressing concern over the stress faced by students and parents, the minister said conducting the examination again would unfairly burden sincere aspirants. He, however, appealed to students not to lose hope and prepare confidently for the re-examination.
Targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Dr. Patil said, “The Prime Minister must provide solutions instead of speeches. The person conducting ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’ should first ensure proper conduct of examinations.”
He also claimed Karnataka’s CET system had been conducted without such lapses and said it could serve as a model for the country.
The minister further alleged that some coaching centres in Rajasthan and Haryana were involved in paper leak activities to boost their business and demanded strict regulation of coaching institutes. He also sought the resignation of the concerned Union minister over the controversy.
