'Justice' protests erupt in Tamil Nadu after NEET aspirant's suicide
What's the story
A 19-year-old National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) aspirant, Anunkeerthana, died by suicide in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. Investigators stated she was distressed over having to retake the test. The incident has reignited protests against the medical entrance exam and demands for an exemption for Tamil Nadu from NEET. According to ANI, members of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) protested outside the ESI Hospital, demanding justice and saying that they would not receive her body unless adequate relief and justice were provided.
Exam reschedule
NEET re-examination rescheduled for June 21
The DMK has also announced nationwide rallies to push its long-standing demand that Tamil Nadu be allowed to enroll medical students without the national entrance test. The National Testing Agency (NTA) had to cancel the NEET-UG exam originally conducted on May 3 due to allegations of paper leaks. A re-examination is now scheduled for June 21. The protests over Anunkeerthana's death come after similar incidents involving other NEET aspirants across India.
Admission controversy
NEET disadvantages students from rural, poorer backgrounds: Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu has opposed the introduction of NEET since its inception, arguing that it disadvantages students from rural and poorer backgrounds who can't afford expensive coaching classes. Before NEET, medical college admissions were based solely on Class XII scores, allowing more underprivileged students to pursue medical education. The state had passed a bill seeking exemption from NEET, but it did not receive presidential assent.
Investigation update
Similar cases reported in Delhi, Rajasthan
A day earlier, a Class 12 topper from Dehradun also died by suicide over stress regarding the re-examination. She left behind a note, expressing her dissatisfaction with not being able to accomplish well in her further studies. In Delhi, a female candidate allegedly died by suicide after her first attempt at the exam. A handwritten note was found, in which she apologized to her parents for not meeting their expectations. In Sikar, a 22-year-old aspirant also allegedly died by suicide.