Bengaluru, Jul 23 (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi asking him to roll back NEET in favour of transparent, merit-based state CETs for medical admissions.
In the letter, Parameshwara expressed concern over the NEET paper leak and handling of student protests in Delhi and urged the Centre to restore confidence in the examination system. He also urged the PM to protect democratic dissent and initiate wide-ranging reforms in higher education. Parameshwara sought the “rollback of NEET in favour of transparent, merit-based State CETs for medical admissions,” compensation for families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the controversy, relief for those injured during protests, a time-bound inquiry into the alleged paper leak and police action and a national mission to restore trust in India’s education system.
“I write to you today with profound concern, not merely as the Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka or as the Minister entrusted with the aspirations of millions of young Indians, but as a citizen deeply invested in the future of our democracy,” the Deputy CM, who holds the sports and youth empowerment portfolio, said.
Stating that the alleged paper leak had shaken the confidence of students and parents across the country, Parameshwara said examinations represented years of sacrifice and hope, and that any compromise in their credibility amounted to a breach of trust between the State and its youth. He also criticised the reported use of force against protesting students, saying, “A democracy must never fear the voices of its young people. Their questions deserve answers, not barricades; their concerns deserve engagement, not suppression”. Referring to the alleged manhandling of Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi during a protest and the handling of activist Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike, he said such actions undermined constitutional values and India’s democratic image.
Calling for dialogue over confrontation, Parameshwara wrote, “Dialogue is the language of democracy. Monologue is the language of autocracy”.
He urged the Prime Minister to order an impartial inquiry into the alleged paper leak and police action against the students, ensure compensation for affected families and injured protesters, engage with students and educators on reforms, safeguard the right to peaceful protest, and launch a national mission to restore the credibility of higher education institutions and competitive examinations.
“Our youth are not asking for privilege; they are asking for fairness. They are not demanding favours; they are demanding faith in the institutions that shape their future,” the Deputy Chief Minister said.
