In recent weeks, a political and educational controversy has erupted in India, particularly focused on the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). The headline Why This Chief Minister Called the NEET Examination ‘Corrupt’ and ‘Money-Driven’ captures the intensity and significance of this debate. The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M. K. Stalin, has publicly condemned NEET, asserting that the examination system has evolved into a “corrupt” and “money-driven” mechanism that disadvantages the economically weaker and rural sections of society.
This article unpacks the underlying political, educational, and ethical concerns that have prompted such a strong critique. We examine the evidence, contextual analysis, and broader implications of the claims, especially within Tamil Nadu’s historical stance against NEET.
The NEET System: Background and Purpose
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) was introduced as a centralised entrance exam for medical and dental courses across India. Its main aim was to streamline the admissions process and bring uniformity, supposedly creating a meritocratic environment.
However, critics argue that it has instead created barriers to equitable access to medical education. These criticisms have culminated in the now widely discussed phrase: Why This Chief Minister Called the NEET Examination ‘Corrupt’ and ‘Money-Driven’.
Tamil Nadu’s Opposition: Historical and Political
Tamil Nadu has been consistently opposed to NEET since its inception. The state had its own admission criteria based on 12th board exam results, which many saw as a more inclusive method of evaluating candidates from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. M. K. Stalin, following in the footsteps of his predecessor Dravidian leaders, has made it clear that NEET goes against the social justice framework championed by the state.
Stalin’s Claims in Detail:
- “Corrupt”: Stalin argued that NEET has fostered a shadow economy of coaching centres, private consultancies, and middlemen who exploit aspirants.
- “Money-Driven”: He highlighted how private coaching centres dominate NEET preparation, creating a disparity between urban and rural students.
- These claims were reiterated in the Tamil Nadu Assembly and in multiple press releases, reinforcing the gravity behind the question Why This Chief Minister Called the NEET Examination ‘Corrupt’ and ‘Money-Driven’.
Socio-Economic Disparities
Studies from Tamil Nadu’s Department of Medical Education reveal that over 70% of students who cleared NEET in recent years came from CBSE backgrounds and urban centres. Only a fraction were from Tamil-medium, government, or rural schools. This skew further underlines why Why This Chief Minister Called the NEET Examination ‘Corrupt’ and ‘Money-Driven’ is more than just a political slogan—it is a reflection of statistical inequalities.
Coaching Industry and Capitalism in Education
The burgeoning coaching industry—estimated to be worth over ₹50,000 crore in India—is a major force behind Stalin’s critique. NEET has become synonymous with private tuition, mock tests, and expensive preparatory materials. Many aspirants are spending lakhs of rupees each year, with no guarantee of success.
This commodification of education has prompted critics to coin the phrase: Why This Chief Minister Called the NEET Examination ‘Corrupt’ and ‘Money-Driven’.
Student Suicides and Mental Health Crises
Tamil Nadu has witnessed an alarming number of student suicides related to NEET pressure. According to state data, over 15 NEET-related suicides have occurred since 2017. Stalin has used these tragic incidents to highlight the psychological trauma induced by the exam-centric approach and bolster the rationale behind Why This Chief Minister Called the NEET Examination ‘Corrupt’ and ‘Money-Driven’.
The Legal and Constitutional Pushback
Tamil Nadu passed the Anti-NEET Bill in 2021, seeking exemption from the centralised exam. However, the bill awaits Presidential assent. Stalin has accused the central government of using NEET as a tool to homogenise and control state-level education policies. The resistance is rooted not just in educational philosophy but in federal principles—giving more context to Why This Chief Minister Called the NEET Examination ‘Corrupt’ and ‘Money-Driven’.
Central Government’s Defense
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare defends NEET on grounds of transparency and meritocracy. They argue that localised admission systems had inconsistencies and scope for manipulation. However, Stalin counters this by citing cases of malpractice and paper leaks in NEET itself, thereby reinforcing the central thesis: Why This Chief Minister Called the NEET Examination ‘Corrupt’ and ‘Money-Driven’.
Alternative Models: What Tamil Nadu Proposes
Tamil Nadu promotes an alternative admission model based on +2 board marks with internal reservation for disadvantaged groups. The state advocates for a comprehensive assessment system over a single high-stakes exam. This policy, it argues, would better reflect student aptitude and uphold social justice—a point deeply interwoven with the rationale behind Why This Chief Minister Called the NEET Examination ‘Corrupt’ and ‘Money-Driven’.
Public Opinion and Civil Society
A survey conducted by People’s Watch, a human rights NGO, indicated that nearly 65% of Tamil Nadu residents support the move to abolish NEET. The issue has transcended party politics and has become a cultural flashpoint. Citizens’ voices echo the statement: Why This Chief Minister Called the NEET Examination ‘Corrupt’ and ‘Money-Driven’.
Conclusion: A System at Crossroads
The debate encapsulated by Why This Chief Minister Called the NEET Examination ‘Corrupt’ and ‘Money-Driven’ is far from resolved. It represents a broader clash between centralisation and federalism, between merit and equity, between capitalism and access. Whether NEET continues or is abolished in Tamil Nadu, the discussion has sparked a necessary national conversation about fairness in medical education.
