Sonia Gandhi demands OBC reservation under NEET quota in state educational institutions

On Friday, July 3, Congress president Sonia Gandhi wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding reservation for OBC candidates in All-India quota of medical and dental seats in state medical educational institutions. She mentioned that 15%, 7.5% and 10% seats are reserved for SC, ST and Ecomically Weaker Section candidates respectively under All-India quota in both Central and state educational institutions. Citing data compiled by All India Federation of Or Backward Classes since 2017, she lamented that OBC candidates lost over 11,000 seats in All-India quota due to n-implementation of OBC reservations in state educational institutions. 

reafter, Gandhi highlighted that 93rd Constitutional Amendment enviss special provisions for advancement of any socially and educationally backward class in admission to any educational institutions or than mirity educational institutions. She added that denial of reservation to OBC candidates violated very objective of 93rd Constitutional Amendment. Moreover, Congress president contended that deserving OBC candidates faced a barrier in accessing medical education due to this policy.

Read: NEET 2020: Parents Raise Concerns Over Delay, Write To NTA To Conduct Exams In July

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Confusion over NEET exam

While National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for medical entrance was scheduled to be held on July 26, many parents and students have voiced ir concerns about conducting exam at a juncture when nation is still grappling with COVID-19 crisis. Despite exams being barely a few days away, admit cards are yet to be issued. Through social media, various students have been asking Centre to confirm wher it intends to stick to its original schedule or postpone exam.

In response, HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal on Thursday revealed that a committee comprising officials from National Testing ncy and or experts had been formed to review situation. He cited that prevailing COVID-19 situation was an important factor. This committee is expected to submit its recommendations on Friday, which shall decide fate of NEET exam. 

Read: NEET 2020 & JEE Mains Updates: HRD Min forms Panel To Review Exam Situation; Adds Deadline

Read: NEET 2020 & JEE Mains LIVE Updates: HRD Ministry's Panel To Give Exam & Date Suggestions

(Im credits: PTI)