After TN, Maharashtra weighing NEET exemption: Minister

MUMBAI: Taking a cue from Tamil Nadu, which passed a bill seeking exemption from the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) for admissions to medical courses, Maharashtra is contemplating it too.
Medical education minister Amit Deshmukh on Thursday said while the discussion is at a preliminary stage, TN’s decision has prompted the state government to relook at the merits and demerits of a national-level entrance test.The department has already received representations from groups seeking exemption from the national test. A section of students, though, is opposed to the idea.
Deshmukh told TOI a large number of aspirants from Maharashtra study in the state board, so the idea is to give priority to the state board. NEET is based on the CBSE curriculum. “A few delegations have already approached us with requests to seek exemption from NEET. The state has created infrastructure for medical education and students from the remotest areas should get access to it. We also need doctors and medical professionals who are willing to work at the grassroots level in these remote regions. If students from these regions get access to medical education, we will have more doctors. Policies should be drawn for the welfare of the general population,” he said.
He, though, added the debate has just started. “A state has gone ahead and taken a drastic step. They have sparked off a discussion. We will hear both the sides and evaluate the pros and cons, and will come out with our official stand in due course. Whatever the decision, it will be in the best interest of students,” said Deshmukh.
Sudha Shenoy, a parent representative, though, said a single national exam such as NEET was the best thing. “The state CET was more taxing as students were forced to apply for multiple entrance exams.” Brijesh Sutaria, another parent, said TN should not have changed the admission process after the exams were over.