NEET Exemption Rejected: Tamil Nadu CM Stalin Announces All-Party Meet on April 9

Presidential Assent Denied for Tamil Nadu's NEET Exemption Bill​

Chennai, April 4 — Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Friday informed the State Assembly that the resolution passed by the Tamil Nadu government seeking exemption from the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) has been rejected by the Centre, following a denial of Presidential assent.

CM Stalin Slams Centre, Calls Rejection a "Dark Chapter in Federalism"​

In a strongly worded statement delivered in the Assembly, Stalin described the Centre's move as a serious affront to federal principles. He accused the Union government of disregarding the sentiments of the people of Tamil Nadu and ignoring the democratically passed Assembly bill aimed at abolishing NEET.

"Despite the Tamil Nadu government providing all the necessary clarifications through multiple ministries, the Union government has now rejected our request for NEET exemption," Stalin stated.

Tamil Nadu to Continue Fight Against NEET​

Reaffirming the state’s unwavering stance, Stalin announced that an all-party meeting would be convened on April 9 to discuss the future course of action. The Chief Minister emphasized that Tamil Nadu's struggle to abolish NEET would continue, reflecting the widespread opposition to the exam within the state.

Political Implications and Next Steps​

The rejection of the NEET exemption bill marks a significant setback for the DMK-led government, which has consistently argued that the centralised entrance test disadvantages students from rural and underprivileged backgrounds. The upcoming all-party meeting is expected to unify voices across the political spectrum in Tamil Nadu against the imposition of NEET.