Tamil Nadu Assembly unites against NEET, opposes FCRA Bill; lone BJP MLA walks out

The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on Tuesday (August 11) adopted two significant resolutions, one urging the Centre to scrap the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) for undergraduate medical admissions and another opposing the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment (FCRA) Bill.

These resolutions were passed amid sharp debates highlighting long-standing state concerns over federalism, social justice and institutional autonomy.

The moves by the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government drew broad cross-party support but saw the lone Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA stage a walkout on the NEET issue.

Anti-NEET resolution

The anti-NEET resolution was moved by Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare Minister K G Arunraj. He argued that admissions based on Class 12 marks had previously ensured opportunities for rural, economically weaker, first-generation and socially disadvantaged students, contributing to Tamil Nadu’s strong public health system rooted in social justice.

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“A single day’s examination is now determining the future of students after 12 years of schooling,” Arunraj said, adding that NEET has fuelled expensive private coaching accessible mainly to the affluent, widened socio-economic disparities and undermined the dreams of ordinary students.

The minister emphasised that medical education is not merely a professional course, but a noble service needed equally in rural areas. He recalled that Tamil Nadu had earlier passed resolutions and a 2021 Bill seeking exemption from NEET, which remains without presidential assent.

‘Tragic impact on students’

Citing question-paper leaks, loss of public trust and the tragic impact on students, Arunraj urged the Centre to amend relevant central laws, including the National Medical Commission Act, to allow state-level admissions based on Plus-Two marks. As a doctor who himself entered the profession based on the state board marks without NEET, he appealed for unanimous passage of the resolution.

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Members of the DMK, AIADMK, PMK, Congress, CPI, CPM and other parties extended support. DMK MLA V Muthuraja reiterated the party’s long-standing opposition to any entrance examination, recalling the 2006 protests, the tragic suicide of student Anitha and earlier warnings about irregularities. He noted past efforts including a committee under Justice A K Rajan, letters to other chief ministers, special Assembly sessions, a Supreme Court case and public agitations, while criticising certain ministerial remarks.

AIADMK’s O S Manian said the party had twice passed similar resolutions during its tenure and fully backed the current move. PMK’s Soumya highlighted the impact on rural students and claimed around 50 young lives had been lost, pledging full support. Congress Minister Viswanathan pointed to the mental stress on students and parents and the sharp rise in coaching fees.

Lone BJP MLA walks out

Opposition Leader Udhayanidhi Stalin credited the late DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi for early resistance to NEET. Left party members and others echoed concerns over federal principles and the mismatch between state and central curricula.

BJP MLA M Bhojarajan alone opposed the resolution, arguing that NEET instils confidence and improves prospects. He cited success stories such as ten students from a single school in Palladam clearing the exam and urged the state government to strengthen its own coaching facilities rather than foster a sense of inferiority.

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He staged a walkout during the vote. Speaker J C D Prabhakar later quipped when the MLA returned, asking whether his position had changed. The resolution was ultimately adopted with near-unanimous support.

FCRA Amendment Bill withdrawal

Separately, School Education Minister A Rajmohan moved a resolution seeking withdrawal of the FCRA Amendment Bill in its present form. He contended that the proposed changes would affect the autonomy of charitable, educational, medical and social organisations, particularly those run by minorities, and called for extensive consultations.

The resolution received support from the DMK, AIADMK, PMK, Left parties, VCK and others, though the BJP withheld support. It was passed unanimously after a voice vote.

Senior political observer Dayalan Shanmugam said the NEET resolution was unlikely to yield immediate results, noting that meaningful action on FCRA-related issues must occur in Parliament. He viewed the Assembly resolutions as largely symbolic politics, observing that the TVK government appeared to be focusing on issues where opposition parties find it difficult to take a contrary stand.