Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
A rare display of bipartisan consensus emerged during a parliamentary committee meeting on the NEET controversy, with Congress leader Digvijaya Singh expressing faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the country’s institutions while calling for steps to restore students’ confidence ahead of the June 21 NEET re-test.
Speaking during a meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports, Singh said, “We trust our Prime Minister and we also trust our system. We believe no injustice will be done to students.”
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The remarks came as the committee reviewed preparations for the June 21 re-examination and discussed measures aimed at ensuring a secure and credible testing process.
‘THIS IS NOT A POLITICAL ISSUE’
According to sources, committee members held an informal discussion before the meeting officially began. During the exchange, members from the ruling side questioned why such meetings were being convened while investigations into the NEET controversy were still underway and argued that the issue was being politicised.
Responding to those concerns, Singh told members that the matter was not political but one that affected millions of students and parents across the country.
He said the committee’s focus was on addressing their concerns and ensuring fairness in the examination process. Singh also conveyed his best wishes to the Education Ministry and officials tasked with conducting the June 21 re-test.
FOCUS ON LEAK-PROOF EXAMINATION
Committee members sought details from officials on the measures being adopted to make the examination secure and leak-proof.
Officials informed the panel that efforts were being made to eliminate vulnerabilities at every stage of the process. They said in-house paper setters, teachers and professors were being engaged to strengthen confidentiality and tighten examination safeguards.
Members stressed that a robust mechanism must be in place before the re-test to prevent any lapses that could undermine confidence in the examination system.
CALLS TO REASSURE STUDENTS
Restoring trust among students emerged as a key theme during the discussions.
Committee members suggested that special efforts should be made before June 21 to reassure candidates and their families. Some members proposed that either Prime Minister Narendra Modi or the Education Minister issue a message or an open letter to students, assuring them that the government stands with them and is committed to a fair examination process.
The panel also recommended closer coordination between the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education to ensure the smooth conduct of the re-test.
PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE
Beyond the immediate challenge of conducting the re-examination, committee members urged authorities to begin preparations for next year’s NEET cycle without delay.
Among the suggestions discussed were promoting computer-based testing initiatives, encouraging CBT hackathons and supporting startups working in examination and assessment technology to strengthen future testing systems.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Among those present from the ruling side were Ravi Shankar Prasad, Ghanshyam Tiwari, Bansuri Swaraj and Sambit Patra.
Opposition members attending the meeting included DMK’s T Sumathy, Samajwadi Party MP Rajeev Rai and Congress MP Dean Kuriakose.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
