Consider Class XII marks for medical admissions’

Consider Class XII marks for medical admissions’

CM has written to PM on this: Minister

10/07/2020

Tamil Nadu has urged the Central government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to not hold the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) and consider the Class XII marks instead for admissions to medical courses this year, Health Minister C. Vijayabaskar said on Thursday.

“Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami has written to Mr. Modi regarding the issue on July 8. In his letter, he stated that it would be difficult for students, especially those from the rural areas, to take the test in the present circumstances,” the Minister said in a statement.

He recalled the efforts being taken by the AIADMK government against the conduct of NEET for admissions to medical courses.

Referring to reports of the Centre contemplating a revision of the criteria for the creamy layer among the Other Backward Classes (OBCs), the Minister said, “Reservation should be based only on social and educational conditions. Reservation based on economic conditions would go against social justice.”

“People are aware that this government is a pioneer in protecting the ideals of social justice and the interests of the poor and the downtrodden. This government will continue to protect the welfare of the backward classes,” he said.

Mr. Vijayabaskar also referred to the petitions filed by the State government in the Supreme Court and the Madras High Court for 50% reservation for the OBCs in medical seats, which were surrendered by the State governments to the all-India quota, in non-Central government colleges.