In a major reprieve to the States, the Centre today issued an ordinance exempting them from NEET for the year. With this, decks are cleared for the two Telugu States, who opposed vehemently the National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET), a national level examination for filling medical and BDS seats in all states.
The Union Cabinet held a crucial meeting at Prime Minister’s Office in Delhi and dealt at length and weighed the pros and cons of the examinations and objections, according to information. Then the high-level committee took a key decision to set the much-objected NEET aside by issuing an ordinance. The ordinance thus paved the way for the States to conduct their own examinations to fill MBBS and dental seats. However, the Centre and private managements have to abide by NEET only.
On May 17, Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda held a meeting with the States concerned and heard their pleas and objections. The States opposed Supreme Court verdict on NEET and sought exemption for one year. It may be noted here that Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and a few other States, which sought relaxation from NEET, today expressed pleasure at the decision.
In a related development, Telangana Health Minister Dr C Lakshma Reddy said they will conduct entrance test for MBBS and BDS seats. “We will discuss with the officials and announce dates for the examinations?, he added. (NSS)