Says revised results might affect entries under all-India quota
MAPUSA
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant addressed the Goa Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, assuring that delays in NEET results due to multiple revisions will not impact admissions to NEET-based courses under the state quota in Goa.
He acknowledged, however, that the revised results might affect the all-India quota.
Responding to concerns raised by opposition MLAs, Sawant emphasized the government’s focus on safeguarding the interests of Goan students.
“Students taking admission to professional courses under the state quota will not be significantly affected,” Sawant stated during the assembly session.
Opposition members had expressed worries about the potential impact of the NEET result delays on students’ careers.
The CM clarified that candidates eligible for admission to Goa Medical College under the state quota are primarily from Goa and must meet specific criteria, including passing the Std XII Science exams and fulfilling residential requirements.
These students will not be affected by the revised NEET results, ensuring their admissions remain secure.
However, Sawant acknowledged potential impacts on the all-India quota admissions, noting that NEET-2024 exam conduct is beyond the state government’s control.
“Any perceived impact on students’ careers is not within our control,” he added.
Sawant assured the assembly that the State government would expedite the remaining admission processes for all NEET-2024 based courses, facilitating students in pursuing their careers.
Opposition MLAs suggested reverting to the previous mechanism of conducting a state-specific common entrance exam for professional course admissions, citing alleged irregularities in national-level entrance exams.
Congress MLA Carlos Ferreira argued that only students who can afford coaching classes perform well in NEET, while many Goan students excel in board exams but struggle with NEET.
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao suggested a possible nexus between coaching classes and exam organizers, stating that the recent NEET results debacle has eroded students’ confidence and increased parental pressure.
AAP MLA Venzy Viegas echoed these concerns, highlighting the panic among students and parents and suggesting that Goa should be exempted from NEET, opting instead for a state-level entrance exam.
Goa Forward Party MLA Vijai Sardesai called for either free coaching for Goan students or the abolition of NEET exams, citing the controversy surrounding exam paper leaks and their detrimental impact on students.
The assembly session highlighted the need for addressing concerns surrounding NEET results and ensuring equitable opportunities for all students, regardless of their economic background.
