The Lok Sabha was adjourned until July 1 on Friday as opposition members sought to introduce an adjournment motion to suspend all business and discuss the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) paper leak controversy.
Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, along with other MPs, demanded a discussion on the NEET issue. However, Speaker Om Birla prioritized the discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address. Amid opposition uproar, Birla adjourned the house until Monday.
Before entering Parliament, Rahul Gandhi told ANI that opposition leaders had unanimously agreed the previous day to discuss the NEET issue in the House. He emphasized the need for a respectful discussion involving both the government and the opposition to address the concerns of the youth.
Criticizing the Congress party for stalling proceedings, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stated that the government was ready for discussion. He condemned the Congress party’s tactics, urging them to allow the House to function properly.
The NEET (UG) 2024 Examination, conducted by the NTA on May 5, 2024, saw over 23 lakh candidates appear at 4,750 centers in 571 cities, including 14 international locations. An unprecedented 67 candidates achieved a perfect score, sparking widespread protests.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered a criminal case on June 23 over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination conducted by the NTA and formed special teams for investigation. Additionally, the Ministry of Education has constituted a high-level committee of experts to recommend reforms in the examination process, data security protocols, and the functioning of the NTA.