Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by actor-turned-politician Vijay, has reiterated its demand for the complete abolition of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET), arguing that states should have greater authority over medical education and admission policies.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the party said its position goes beyond addressing alleged irregularities in the examination process. According to TVK, the current system requires structural changes, with state governments being given the power to decide how medical admissions are conducted.
Push for State Autonomy in Education
TVK urged that education should be moved from the Concurrent List to the State List of the Constitution, enabling states to frame policies based on their specific educational and social needs. The party also suggested that if an immediate constitutional amendment is not feasible, an interim mechanism could be considered to provide states with greater administrative control over education, including medical admissions.
The party maintained that increased state autonomy would allow governments to implement admission systems that better reflect local requirements while ensuring opportunities for deserving students.
Party Reaffirms Long-Standing Stand on NEET
TVK stated that its opposition to NEET is not a recent political response but a consistent position it has maintained since its formation. The party said it supports a medical admission process that is transparent, accessible, and aligned with the interests of students across different regions.
Without naming any political party, TVK also criticized what it described as “political promises without lasting solutions,” saying that education policy should focus on practical reforms rather than electoral commitments.
Debate Intensifies in Tamil Nadu
NEET has remained a major political issue in Tamil Nadu for several years, with several parties advocating greater state control over medical admissions. Supporters of this view argue that states should have the flexibility to design admission policies suited to their educational systems.
The latest statement from TVK comes at a time when education-related issues are drawing national attention, with students in different parts of the country demanding greater transparency and accountability in competitive examinations.
Fresh Political Attention
The discussion around NEET also gained attention after Tamil rapper and activist Therukkural Arivu raised anti-NEET slogans outside the Tamil Nadu Secretariat before being removed by police. The incident has further intensified public debate over medical entrance examinations and education reforms in the state.
