Centre Unlikely to Sack Pradhan Over NEET Row, Open to Compensate Victims’ Kin: Report

The ongoing controversy surrounding the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) for undergraduate medical admissions continues to be a focal point of public and political debate. Amid widespread allegations of paper leaks and irregularities, recent reports indicate the Central government is unlikely to sack Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, while simultaneously exploring avenues to compensate the families of individuals adversely affected by the situation.

Sources familiar with the government’s internal deliberations suggest that the leadership views the NEET crisis as a systemic and administrative failure within the National Testing Agency (NTA), rather than a direct lapse of ministerial responsibility that warrants Pradhan’s removal. It is reported that the focus within the government is on implementing immediate reforms and strengthening the integrity of the examination process, rather than a change in ministerial leadership at this juncture. Pradhan himself has acknowledged “some irregularities” and assured accountability.

Concurrently, reports indicate the government is considering proposals to offer financial compensation to the families of victims. This move is primarily aimed at addressing the distress caused, particularly in cases of suicide reported to be linked to the immense pressure and uncertainty surrounding the NEET results and subsequent re-examination orders. The modalities of such a compensation package, including eligibility criteria and quantum, are reportedly under discussion.

The NEET row escalated following allegations of paper leaks ahead of the June 4 results, and later, concerns over the award of grace marks and discrepancies in scores. The Supreme Court is currently hearing several petitions related to the matter, with the government having already cancelled grace marks for 1,563 candidates and announced a re-examination for them. A high-level committee has also been constituted to review the NTA’s functioning and recommend examination reforms. The situation continues to evolve amidst public outcry and demands for a complete re-evaluation or cancellation of the exam.