Amid ongoing protests against the discrepancies in the NEET and UGC-NET exams, CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury has called for the scrapping of the National Testing Agency and the resignation of the Union Education Minister. The Left leader also demanded compensation for students who took these exams and for the mandatory NET score for PhD admissions to be rolled back. He also emphasized the need for a discussion on the centralized education system in India.
Education Minister Faces Calls to Resign Amid Exam Discrepancies
The Union Education Minister has come under fire amidst ongoing protests against irregularities in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and University Grants Commission - National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) exams. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) General Secretary, Sitaram Yechury, has led the charge, demanding the resignation of the minister and the scrapping of the National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducts these examinations.
Background:
The NTA was established in 2018 as an autonomous agency responsible for administering various entrance exams for higher education institutions. However, its functioning has faced criticism from students and educators alike. Allegations of errors in question papers, technical glitches, and discrepancies in marking have marred its credibility.
In the recent NEET and UGC-NET exams, students have reported several issues, including:
Demands by CPI(M):
In response to these concerns, CPI(M) has called for:
Discussion on Centralized Education System:
Yechury also highlighted the need for a broader discussion on India's centralized education system. He argued that the over-reliance on standardized testing and the focus on numerical scores have created an unfair and stressful environment for students.
Top 5 FAQs:
1. What are the specific allegations of irregularities in the NEET and UGC-NET exams?
2. Who is responsible for the performance of the NTA?
The Union Education Minister is ultimately accountable for the NTA's functioning.
3. What is the demand of CPI(M) regarding the NEET and UGC-NET exams?
CPI(M) has demanded the resignation of the Education Minister, the scrapping of the NTA, and compensation for affected students.
4. What is the argument of CPI(M) regarding India's education system?
CPI(M) believes that the centralized education system, with its emphasis on standardized testing, is unfair and stressful for students.
5. What are the next steps expected in this matter?
The Education Minister is yet to respond to the demands of CPI(M). Protests and legal challenges against the NTA and the exam discrepancies are ongoing.
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