Page Loader
HRD Minister Pokhriyal justifies holding NEET, JEE examinations amid coronavirus

HRD Minister Pokhriyal justifies holding NEET, JEE examinations amid coronavirus

Edited by Shalini Ojha
Aug 27, 2020
01:02 am

What's the story

HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' has finally waded into the controversy surrounding the impending NEET and JEE examinations, saying that the tests are being held due to "constant pressure from parents and students." The BJP leader also claimed that 80% of JEE aspirants have already downloaded their admit cards, in a bid to imply that many students "wish" for the exams to be conducted.

Context

Background: JEE and NEET will be held next month

In July, the National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducts competitive exams in India, announced fresh dates for NEET (held for admission in government-owned medical colleges) and JEE (through which seats are secured in the prestigious IITs). While the JEE examination will be held from September 1 to 6, the NEET-UG exam is scheduled to be held on September 13.

Reaction

Date-sheet sparked concerns, SC was approached, it junked plea

As the announcement sparked a massive outcry, the Supreme Court was approached, but it refused to intervene saying postponing the exams would jeopardize careers. Left with little alternative, students have been speaking on social media for days now. Notably, students from flood-affected areas of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh are dealing with a dual problem. Besides coronavirus-related concerns, they also lack transport facilities.

Voicing concerns

Students and parents highlighted their woes

Prateek Kumar, a NEET-aspirant from Patna, has alleged that the government's Standard Operating Procedures are not being followed. Kumar said that a lack of adequate COVID-19 facilities would endanger both students and their guardians. Separately, a mother made a passionate appeal for canceling the exams since her son, an asthma patient, would not be able to go to crowded places, reports India Today.

Firm stance

Despite raging concerns, Pokhriyal remained firm

While the students' protest is being widely discussed, Pokhriyal said the government is with them and understands that health should be given priority over careers. He, however, remained firm about conducting the exams in September. In an interview with Doordarshan, he said the NTA Director-General informed him that around 7.25 lakh of the 8.58 lakh JEE (Main) candidates have already downloaded their admit cards.

Quote

Only 450 students want a different center: Pokhriyal

"Almost 99% of the students have got centers of their choice. Only 450 students have requested a change of center and NTA is ready for that. We are with the students," the minister added.

Precautions

He also assured that all precautions will be followed

Pokhriyal said that the number of centers has been increased and that each center would not be allowed to accommodate more than 150 aspirants. As per NTA guidelines released recently, all students and invigilators will be thermally screened; students will have to wear masks and gloves at all times and carry their own sanitizers as well as water bottles.

Plans

Earlier, NTA's top official also explained the plans

On the precautions, NTA Director-General Vineet Joshi said hand-held metal detectors will ensure social distancing is maintained. These detectors will be installed on sticks and will be sanitized at regular intervals. "Admit cards will have specific barcodes which will be scanned and rooms will be allotted to students accordingly," he had told HT earlier. NTA had also assured SC that safety won't be compromised.

Political support

However, Centre's words didn't convince students, some politicians

While the Centre is confident holding the examinations is in the best interest of students, leaders across the political spectrum are unconvinced. Congress' Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi tweeted on the issue; LJP's Chirag Paswan and BJP MP Subramanian Swamy wrote to Pokhriyal and Prime Minister Narendra Modi respectively, seeking a postponement. RJD's Tejashwi Yadav also voiced his support, as did Shiv Sena's Aaditya Thackeray.

Twitter Post

Government should listen to students' 'Mann ki Baat': Rahul

Twitter Post

BJP's Swamy has, interestingly, rallied behind the issue

Mamata and Naveen

Separately, Mamata Banerjee and Naveen Patnaik also joined the chorus

West Bengal and Odisha Chief Ministers Mamata Banerjee and Naveen Patnaik also wrote to Pokhriyal with the same request. Banerjee urged Centre to seek a review of the Supreme Court's decision last week. Separately, Patnaik, in his letter, said that it would be "perilous" and "unsafe" for students to visit exam centers. Patnaik underlined that NTA identified test centers in only seven Odisha towns.