NITI Aayog member VK Paul calls for deep inquiry, investigation into alleged irregularities in NEET-UG exam

New Delhi [India], June 23 (ANI): Calling for deep inquiry and investigation into alleged irregularities in the NEET (UG) exams 2024, NITI Aayog member (Health) VK Paul said on Sunday that those responsible for this "criminal act" must be punished as it is about the future of the students.
Speaking with ANI, Paul said, "NEET UG examination- questions were raised. Early investigations led to the fact that there have been irregularities and malpractices were there. Those investigations have been on. And now, with prima facie evidence, it is clear that much stricter action needs to be taken and therefore the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been requested to undertake a comprehensive assessment and investigation of the entire issue".
He said that the Centre is committed to finding out the fault.
"The government is serious about finding where the fault was, why did it happen? And those who are responsible for this criminal act, an anti-national act, must be punished because this is about the lives and the careers of our young children...," Paul added.
"A deep inquiry and investigation need to be undertaken to pin those who have been responsible for this very wrong act on their part..." Paul said.
On NEET PG exam being postponed, he said, "NEET PG has been postponed, essentially to make sure that through abundant precaution, that there be a new one more look on the SOPs...One wants to be very certain so that when we conduct the examination, it inspires confidence, it has the sanctity and we have the trust..."
Meanwhile, the Centre's seven-member high-level committee formed to oversee transparency and look into the functioning of the National Testing Agency (NTA) is scheduled to meet on Monday, according to sources at the Ministry of Education.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Sunday registered a criminal case for irregularities in the exam and formed special teams to probe the matter.
Early on Sunday, the central government entrusted the probe into the alleged irregularities in the NEET 2024 exam to the CBI.
The National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducted the NEET-UG exams, is facing criticism over alleged irregularities in the exams. This resulted in several protests across the country, with protestors and political parties demanding to disband the NTA. An unprecedented 67 candidates achieved a perfect score of 720 marks out of 720, which added to the concerns. (ANI)