Shillong: Meghalaya student organizations are pushing for structural changes to the NEET exam following the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The Jaintia Students’ Movement (JSM) spearheaded the demand on Saturday, insisting that the government establish permanent test centers at Jowai, Khliehriat, and every district headquarters in the state.
The current system hits poor students the hardest. Travel costs pile up fast for families already struggling to make ends meet. The JSM argued that “Geography and poverty must not become barriers to education.” The group wants a transparent, time-bound probe into the NEET UG 2024 irregularities and a re-examination if officials confirm the process was tainted.
Reuben Najiar, general secretary of the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), acknowledged that a resignation is not a cure. He noted it sends a clear signal that leaders will face consequences for ignoring student grievances. The Jaintia Students’ Union (JSU), fresh off protests at Jantar Mantar, warned against tampering with the system and urged political parties to stay out of the student-led movement.
State officials are weighing in on the fallout. Adviser to the MDA-II government, Ampareen Lyngdoh, blamed the National Testing Agency for poor oversight and stated, “Institutions entrusted with nationwide tests should not be in a position to cite paper leaks as an excuse for failure.” She called for better guidelines for managing protests. Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui stayed quiet, calling the resignation a political move while noting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is already looking into the matter.
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