Minister for Medical Education and Skill Development Sharan Prakash Patil launched a sharp attack on the Central government over the alleged irregularities in the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) accusing it of failing to conduct national-level examinations transparently and credibly.

Addressing a press conference in Kalaburagi on Wednesday, Dr. Patil said that the BJP-led Central government should be ashamed of its inability to ensure a fair examination process.

“If the Centre is unable to conduct examinations without lapses, it can seek guidance from the State government. We can demonstrate how examinations can be organised systematically and transparently,” he said.

Referring to the NEET paper leak and the controversy surrounding re-examinations, the Minister said that the aspirations of nearly 23 lakh students have been betrayed.

He expressed concern over the psychological distress caused to students and said that several young lives have reportedly been lost amid the uncertainty.

“Malpractices and irregularities have plagued the NEET system for the past five years. The situation has deteriorated to a point where the Centre appears to be dependent on extensive security arrangements to conduct examinations,” he said.

Dr. Patil also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi questioning whether stringent action has been taken against those responsible despite repeated controversies.

He said that programmes such as Pariksha Pe Charcha have failed to restore the confidence of students and parents in the examination system.

Dr. Patil said that he will soon convene a meeting of Medical Education Ministers from different States to seek their views on NEET and submit a set of recommendations to the Central government on improving the examination system.

Water crisis

Highlighting steps being taken to tackle water shortages, Dr. Patil said that the district is witnessing a rainfall deficit and falling water levels in the Bhima. Following discussions with Home Minister Priyank Kharge, the State government has decided to release 0.65 tncft of water into the Bhima to safeguard public and agricultural needs.

He added that weather conditions are favourable for rainfall over the next five days.

Reiterating the State government’s commitment to farmers, Dr. Patil said that drought relief measures and timely crop insurance compensation have been prioritised. He said that reforms introduced by the Congress government have ensured compensation is credited directly to the bank accounts of farmers.

“In the previous BJP government, crop insurance benefits often ended up disproportionately benefiting private insurance companies. After coming to power, we revised the system to ensure that compensation reaches farmers directly in their bank accounts,” Dr. Patil said.

Cabinet expansion soon

Replying to a question on political developments, Dr. Patil said that he is not authorised to comment formally on a Cabinet expansion but noted that Chief Minister D.K Shivakumar, the former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and senior party leaders have already consulted the party high command.

With the Rajya Sabha and Legislative Council elections concluded, he said that a Cabinet expansion and the appointment of district in-charge Ministers are expected soon.