The National Testing Agency’s (NTA) decision to cancel the scorecards of 1,563 NEET candidates has sparked significant controversy, prompting the Maharashtra Congress to call for a judicial probe to uncover the root causes of the irregularities.
The issue began when the Central government informed the Supreme Court that the scorecards of these students, who were initially granted compensatory marks in the NEET-UG 2024 exam, have been nullified. Congress spokesperson Gopaldada Tiwari expressed serious concerns about the fairness of the investigation into the irregularities, pointing out that the NTA head, who oversaw the controversial exam, was also tasked with conducting the probe. “How can anyone call the investigation fair and impartial?” Tiwari asked in a press release.
Adding fuel to the fire, Tiwari highlighted the appointment of former UPSC director Prof. Pradeepkumar Joshi to investigate the allegations. This move, according to Tiwari, raises questions about the impartiality of the investigation since Joshi currently heads the NTA. “Who is Pradeepkumar Joshi? He is the same person who heads the National Testing Agency which conducted the NEET exam. Just imagine, there are allegations against NTA and its own head conducts the probe. How can he be allowed to conduct a probe against an organization he heads?” Tiwari questioned.
The controversy intensified with the revelation that these 1,563 students have been allowed to retake the exam on June 23. Tiwari described this development as shocking, particularly in light of further irregularities uncovered in Haryana, where it was reported that seven students received identical high scores. Compounding the issue are viral videos showing private coaching classes enticing students to pay large sums for access to question papers, an act Tiwari vehemently condemned.
In light of these issues, Tiwari urged the Supreme Court to take suo motu action and initiate a judicial probe. He emphasized that only an independent judicial investigation, monitored by the Supreme Court, can ensure a thorough and impartial examination of the irregularities.
The Congress’s demand for a judicial probe highlights a broader concern about transparency and fairness in the conduct of national exams. The NEET exam fiasco serves as a critical reminder of the need for robust mechanisms to ensure accountability in educational testing, especially when the futures of thousands of students hang in the balance. As the situation unfolds, the call for a judicial probe is not just about addressing the current irregularities but also about restoring faith in the examination system for future aspirants.