Members of Parliament from the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) protested outside the Lok Sabha in New Delhi to demand a nationwide ban on the NEET exam [1].
The protest highlights a growing political conflict over medical education access in India. By targeting the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), the DMK is challenging the federal government's standardized approach to medical admissions, which they argue creates systemic inequality.
MP Tiruchi Siva and other party members said that a total ban is the only viable solution [1]. They argued that the current exam structure unfairly favors private coaching centers and enables the operation of paper-leak cartels [1], [2]. Furthermore, the party linked the pressures of the examination system to student suicides [1], [2].
Beyond the educational requirements, the DMK MPs called for a formal parliamentary discussion regarding alleged police violence [2]. This request follows a recent protest organized by the Citizens' Justice Partnership (CJP), where participants reported violent encounters with law enforcement [2].
The DMK maintains that introducing new laws would not resolve the underlying issues of the medical entrance process [1]. The party continues to push for the complete scrapping of the NEET system to ensure a more equitable admission process for students across different socioeconomic backgrounds [2].
“Ban NEET is our only demand”
This movement represents a significant push by regional political powers to decentralize education standards in India. By linking the NEET exam to social issues like student suicide and corruption, the DMK is attempting to shift the debate from administrative efficiency to human rights and social equity.
