Chennai, July 28, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran on Tuesday opposed the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, in the Lok Sabha, arguing that the proposed legislation does not address what his party describes as the fundamental concerns surrounding the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET).
Leading the DMK’s criticism during the debate, Maran said the government was focusing on preventing examination malpractices but ignoring what he called structural problems within the NEET system.
He argued that instead of strengthening laws against paper leaks, the Centre should consider scrapping NEET, a demand the DMK has repeatedly raised.
Maran claimed that the medical entrance examination has created difficulties for students from rural backgrounds, government schools and economically weaker sections, as many candidates are forced to depend on costly coaching programmes to compete.
He said several students with strong academic records have been affected due to the examination system and raised concerns over student suicides allegedly linked to competitive examinations.
The DMK MP claimed that 107 students across the country had died by suicide in connection with competitive exams, including 93 cases allegedly related to NEET. He also claimed that Tamil Nadu had reported 26 NEET-linked student suicides.
The Centre, however, defended the amendment bill, stating that it was aimed at protecting the credibility of public examinations and ensuring strict action against those involved in unfair practices.
The proposed legislation includes measures such as a Special Task Force, time-bound investigations and Special Fast Track Courts to deal with examination-related offences.
The debate in Parliament witnessed sharp exchanges between the ruling party and Opposition members, with MPs raising concerns over paper leaks, examination security and the future of NEET.
The DMK continued to press its demand for the withdrawal of NEET, maintaining that the examination creates unequal opportunities for students across different socio-economic backgrounds.
FOLLOW NOW
