Dayanidhi Maran Demands NEET Abolition During Lok Sabha Debate

Member of Parliament Dayanidhi Maran demanded the abolition of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) during a July 28 Lok Sabha discussion on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026. Maran argued that the exam creates an uneven playing field, particularly for first-generation students, and linked the test to a high number of student suicides.

Maran criticized the proposed Amendment Bill, stating it fails to address these core issues. He compared the legislative approach to superficial measures taken by the Rajasthan government to prevent suicides. The bill itself focuses on deterring examination fraud by increasing prison terms and fines for organized crimes and unfair means.

To expedite the legal process, the legislation proposes the establishment of Special Task Forces and Fast Track Courts for investigations and trials. The call for the removal of NEET aligns with the long-term position of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, which has opposed the exam since 2016 through legislative resolutions and public protests.