JEE, NEET Divide: Postpone exams, review plea filed in Supreme Court

A review petition has been filed in the Supreme Court against order permitting JEE Main and NEET exams in September. The review petition, filed by six opposition-ruled states, seeks reconsideration of the SC order dated August 17 whereby the Central Govt has been permitted to conduct JEE and NEET exams. There are six petitioners - from six different states, who have filed the review petition in their individual capacity. 

The prayer seeks review of the judgment and final order dated August 17, 2020, passed by the apex court. Alternatively, it also prays for any other order as the court "may deem fit and proper in the circumstances of the case."

The National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) is scheduled to be held on September 13, while the engineering entrance exam JEE Main has been planned from September 1-6. The exams have been deferred twice due to the coronavirus pandemic. It was last week when the Supreme Court had dismissed a plea seeking postponement of the two exams amid COVID-19 pandemic, saying a "precious" academic year of students "cannot be wasted" and that life has to go on. Despite the court's decision, students continue to voice their anger against holding the exams at a time when the cases are at an all-time high. Students have also cited major concerns such as the lack of transportation and flood situation in some states.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Rahul Gandhi tweets video in favour of the students, says "NEET-JEE aspirants’ safety should not be compromised due to the failures of the Govt. Govt must listen to all stakeholders and arrive at a consensus." 

• According to the petitioners, the "impugned order" fails to:

  a. secure the safety, security, and Right to Life of the students - candidates appearing for the NEET, JEE Exams. 

  b. has ignored the teething logistical difficulties in conducting the exams at the proposed dates. 

  c. failed to balance the competing but equally important aspects of conducting the exam and securing safety of the students. 

  d. fails to ensure that mandatory safeguards are put in place during the conduct of the examination. 

• The plea by the six cabinet ministers state that when classroom teaching is suspended all across the country,  holding such a large scale exam shows "non-application of mind"

• The petitioners are West Bengal Minister Moloy Ghatak, Jharkhand Minister Dr. Rameshwar Oraon, Rajasthan minister Dr. Raghu Sharma, Chhattisgarh Minister Amarjeet Bhagat, Punjab Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu, and Maharashtra Minister Uday Ravindra Samant.

• The review petition has been filed against the SC order dated 17.08.2020 whereby the Central Govt has been permitted to conduct JEE, NEET. There are six petitioners - from six different states, who have filed in their individual capacity.

• A review petition has been filed in Supreme Court against the judgment which dismissed the plea for postponement of JEE, NEET.

• Congress holds protest outside Shastri Bhawan against holding of the JEE & NEET examinations in September. 
• Increasing the number of examination centres, an alternative seating plan, fewer candidates per room and staggered entry and exit are among the steps the NTA will take for safely conducting the NEET and JEE in September.
• "We have received mails from students and parents who are in favour of holding the exams, as they have been preparing for the exams for at least two to three years. The Supreme Court too opined that a full academic year cannot be wasted. After two deferments, the exam dates have been finalised," Nishank said. 
• Nishank said over 17 lakh candidates have already downloaded their admit cards for JEE and NEET, and this shows that the students want the exams to be conducted at any cost. 
• On Thursday, Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank said that JEE and NEET exams will happen as per schedule in September. 
• Chief Ministers of seven non-BJP ruled states will jointly move the Supreme Court against JEE, NEET exams today.

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