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United Doctors Front excluded from parliamentary committee discussion on NEET-NTA reforms

United Doctors Front excluded from parliamentary committee discussion on NEET-NTA reforms

TheNewsMill 4 months ago

The United Doctors Front (UDF) expressed deep concern after its representatives were denied participation in the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports proceedings, despite an official invitation received nearly a week prior.

According to a press release issued by UDF on Monday, the representatives travelled to Parliament to present the views of young doctors, medical students, and healthcare professionals on NEET, the National Testing Agency (NTA), and examination reforms. The organisation had also submitted a detailed written representation, supporting documents, and presentation materials to the Committee beforehand.

Upon arrival, UDF representatives were informed they would not be allowed to take part in the Committee proceedings. The Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee explained his inability to facilitate UDF’s participation was due to opposition from a majority of the Committee members. Despite this, he met the UDF delegation separately, accepted their detailed representation, and assured that their submissions would be recorded.

Dr Lakshya Mittal, Chairperson of the United Doctors Front, stated: “It is unfortunate that an organisation representing the concerns of young doctors and medical aspirants across the country was not given an opportunity to present its views before the Committee despite being formally invited. We respect the Parliamentary process and the authority of the Committee, but stakeholders who represent lakhs of students and healthcare professionals deserve to be heard, especially on matters concerning one of India’s most important national examinations.”

UDF clarified that its concern is not against any individual but relates to the broader principle of stakeholder participation in policy discussions affecting medical education and national examinations.

In its submissions to the Committee, UDF highlighted issues regarding NEET and the National Testing Agency. The organisation recommended establishing a new statutory national examination authority through an Act of Parliament to replace the existing NTA structure, aiming for greater transparency, accountability, statutory oversight, and public trust.

UDF also requested a comprehensive investigation into concerns surrounding NEET-UG 2026 and unresolved matters from NEET-UG 2024, including examination security, paper leak allegations, centre allotment patterns, the grace marks controversy, the role of agencies and vendors, and other factors affecting public confidence in the examination system.

Additionally, UDF urged competent authorities to examine the legality and authorisation of the National Emblem’s use by the NTA in accordance with applicable statutory provisions.

The organisation emphasised that repeated controversies surrounding NEET have significantly undermined the confidence of medical aspirants and their families. It reiterated the need for a transparent, time-bound, and independent review of institutional lapses and accountability mechanisms.

UDF expressed gratitude to the Committee Chairman for personally meeting the delegation, receiving its representation, and assuring consideration of the issues raised. The organisation expressed hope that the Committee will objectively examine the recommendations and take appropriate measures in the interests of students, medical education, and the credibility of India’s examination system.

During the meeting, the Committee Chairman said the discussion was very good and that all issues were addressed. He also expressed trust in the Prime Minister and hope that aspirants will receive justice.

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