Reasserting the Tamil Nadu government’s position against the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) for medical admissions, Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami said on Friday that the State was aiming towards a decision that would not invite any legal challenge over the issue.
“The State government would continue to exert pressure on the Central government. Our position is to ensure that a decision is attained without inviting any legal challenge after considering all aspects. We have conveyed this to the Central government,” Mr. Palaniswami said, answering queries from mediapersons.
The Chief Minister, however, was evasive when asked whether the State government would consider passing an ordinance over the issue. “The Tamil Nadu government has urged the Prime Minister to exempt the State from NEET,” he said.
“Our position is that the State should be exempted from NEET, considering the welfare of the students, he said, adding, “The State government has been taking steps to ensure that the interests of students from Tamil Nadu are protected.”
Recalling his various meetings with the Prime Minister over the issue, Mr. Palaniswami noted that State Ministers have also taken it up with the Union Ministries concerned.
The CM’s comments come amid ongoing uncertainty over medical admissions in the State, with the Tamil Nadu government yet to spell out any specific plans for various scenarios that may emerge if and when the Centre arrives at a decision on this issue.
