EET Exemption Bill Rejected: Stalin Slams Centre, Calls It a ‘Dark Chapter in Federalism’

NEW DELHI – Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president M.K. Stalin on Friday informed the State Assembly that the Centre has rejected the state’s Bill seeking exemption from the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET), despite it being sent for Presidential assent. Calling the move a serious blow to the principles of federalism, Stalin announced an all-party meeting on April 9 to deliberate the next course of action.

"The rejection is a dark chapter in federalism," Stalin told the House, expressing dismay over the Union government’s decision. He accused the Centre of disregarding both the democratic mandate of the Tamil Nadu Assembly and the will of its people.

The Bill in question was first passed by the Tamil Nadu Assembly in 2021 and re-adopted in 2022 after being returned by Governor R.N. Ravi. It proposed that admissions to medical courses in the state be based solely on Class 12 marks, eliminating the requirement for NEET — a standardized national-level entrance exam.

"Despite the Tamil Nadu government furnishing all necessary clarifications through various ministries, the Union government has now rejected the exemption from NEET," Stalin said. He argued that the exam disadvantages students from economically weaker and rural backgrounds, thereby affecting the broader healthcare ecosystem in underserved regions of the state.

The NEET issue has long been a politically and emotionally charged subject in Tamil Nadu, particularly following the tragic suicide of medical aspirant S. Anita in 2017 — a case that ignited widespread protests and debate.

Opposition parties were quick to seize on the development, accusing the DMK of political posturing. AIADMK leader and Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami criticized the ruling party for making unfulfilled promises.

"The DMK came to power in 2021 promising to cancel NEET. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin even said he knew the secret to abolish it. But nothing has been done. Now, the Chief Minister has called for an all-party meeting. How long will the DMK continue to deceive the people?" Palaniswami said, addressing the media after his party staged a walkout from the Assembly on a separate matter.

Tamil Nadu BJP chief K. Annamalai also lashed out at the DMK, claiming the President’s rejection marked the end of what he termed a political charade.

"The chapter is closed," Annamalai said. "The DMK’s NEET drama has ended. They can no longer blame the Governor or the President."

Challenging the DMK to pursue legal action, Annamalai added, "I challenge the Chief Minister — go to the Supreme Court. If you have the courage, fight it legally. NEET was implemented because of the apex court's ruling, and the DMK knows it." He further asserted that the ruling party is unlikely to approach the court, "knowing the origins of NEET lie in the Supreme Court's own judgments."

As the political battle intensifies, attention now shifts to the April 9 all-party meeting and how the DMK-led state government plans to respond amid mounting pressure from both opponents and the public.