Students File Plea in Supreme Court Demanding ED Investigation in NEET-UG Irregularities

New Delhi: Students alleging irregularities in conduct of undergruate National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET-UG) 2024 have filed a fresh petition in Supreme Court of India seeking an investigation by Enforcement Directorate. petitioners have demanded that ED should take up matter under Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

While students are demanding a re-examination for all students, Education ministry said that incidents of paper leak are isolated incidences. apex court has also issued notice to NTA, Centre and or concerned authorities seeking ir response. Furr, Supreme Court has also refused to halt counselling process. While hearing a batch of petitions on June 22, Supreme Court refused to defer counselling date. 

What is Controversy Regarding NEET-UG? 

NEET-UG exam was conducted by NTA on May 5, with results announced on June 4. Around 24 lakh candidates appeared for exam. exam is conducted by NTA for missions to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH and or related courses in government and private institutions across country.

Following announcement of result, allegations of paper leaks and irregularities surfaced in Bihar, Gujarat, and or states, leing to wide-scale protest across country. An unprecedented 67 candidates achieved a perfect score of 720 marks out of 720, which ded to concerns.

Later, it was revealed that aspirants were awarded grace marks by NTA to make up for loss of time at six centres where exam started late on May 5. However, decision was withdrawn, and students were asked to appear for a retest. As many as 813 of 1,563 candidates who were earlier awarded grace marks in NEET-UG exam appeared for a retest on Sunday, June 23. retest was conducted at seven centres.

CBI Takes Up Probe 

CBI is investigating matter currently. probe agency registered a case under appropriate sections of Indian Penal Code (IPC) including 420 (offence of cheating) and 120B (Offence of partnering in a criminal conspiracy). 

7-Member Panel to Meet Today 

Education ministry has constituted a seven-member high-level committee to look into functioning of National Testing Agency, which is likely to meet today. 

"To ensure transparent, smooth, and fair conduct of examinations through National Testing Agency (NTA), Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education constituted a High-Level Committee of Experts to make recommendations on reform in mechanism of examination process improvement in data security protocols and structure and functioning of National Testing Agency," ministry said while announcing committee.