Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. (PTI file photo)
Pradhan stated that the committee has gathered expert opinions and reviewed various models, with plans to submit a comprehensive report soon
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced that the Centre has formed a high-level committee tasked with revamping the National Testing Agency (NTA) amid allegations of irregularities in the NEET-UG 2024 examination.
“Presenting our side before the Supreme Court, we have promised that our government is committed to having a transparent, tamper-free and zero-error examination system. Taking this commitment forward, we announced a high-level committee for a complete revamp of NTA,” Pradhan stated during a press briefing on Tuesday evening.
He further disclosed that the committee has gathered expert opinions and reviewed various models, with plans to submit a comprehensive report soon.
#WATCH | NEET-UG irregularities | Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan says, “For us, zero tolerance of any kind of breach is our priority when it comes to exams for students – be it for higher education or jobs. So, Modi Government has brought into effect a strict law… pic.twitter.com/h2NFzqy6TN— ANI (@ANI) July 23, 2024
“I would like to assure the youth and students of the country that we are committed to making NTA error-free,” the education minister added.
Addressing concerns over accountability, Pradhan emphasised that strict legal action will be taken against those found responsible for the irregularities.
“In this process, all those involved in these irregularities will not be spared. Strict legal action will be taken. CBI is doing its job,” the Union minister asserted.
ALSO READ: SC Admits NEET UG Paper Leak In Hazaribagh & Patna, Asks For Strengthening Of NTA | Top Points
Pradhan’s press conference follows the Supreme Court’s decision earlier today to dismiss calls for a re-test of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test-Undergraduate (NEET-UG) 2024 exam amid allegations of paper leaks.
The court, asserting the absence of evidence regarding systemic question paper leaks or other malpractices, dismissed petitions advocating for the exam’s cancellation and re-test.
“There is absence of material to conclude that result of NEET-UG 2024 exam is vitiated or there is systemic breach,” Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, leading the bench, stated during the proceedings.
‘Satyamev Jayate’: Pradhan Hails SC’s Decision
In the same press conference, the Union Minister praised the Supreme Court’s decision and announced that the final results of the medical entrance exam would be declared within two days.
“‘Satyamev Jayate’. Truth has prevailed,” Pradhan stated, welcoming the court’s decision.
He added that the NTA would announce the final results for NEET-UG within two days and revise the exam’s merit list based on the Supreme Court’s observations.
Rahul Gandhi played with ‘sentiments of lakhs of students’
In a social media post on X, Pradhan demanded an apology from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for politicising the NEET issue and manipulating the sentiments of lakhs of students.
“The judgement will open the eyes of those who rubbished the Indian examination system and grabbed this opportunity for vested interests, scoring political brownies and stoking ‘civil unrest and anarchy’,” Pradhan wrote.
सत्यमेव जयते!Today’s verdict on NEET-UG will put speculations to rest and provide relief to lakhs of hard working and honest students. Grateful to Hon’ble Supreme Court for the landmark verdict that upholds the interest of students.
The judgement will open the eyes of those…
— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) July 23, 2024
He added, “Shri @RahulGandhi should apologise for playing with the sentiments of lakhs of students and their parents as well as for trying to gain political mileage out of it.”
(With inputs from agencies)