Parliamentary Panel Reviews NEET-UG Conduct, Seeks Report on NTA Reforms

A Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare has reviewed the conduct of the NEET-UG examination and discussed reforms aimed at strengthening the National Testing Agency (NTA) amid continued scrutiny following the examination controversy.

The committee, chaired by Samajwadi Party MP Ram Gopal Yadav, heard presentations from NTA officials and domain experts and sought a written report from the concerned authorities on measures to improve the agency's functioning.

Panel Reviews NTA's Functioning

During the meeting, the committee examined the organisational structure, mandate and operational efficiency of regulatory institutions under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, particularly in relation to the conduct of the NEET-UG examination under the National Medical Commission (NMC) Act, 2019.

Officials from the NTA and subject experts shared their views on the examination process and suggested reforms to strengthen transparency, efficiency and accountability.

Presentation on 'One Nation, One Entrance Test'

The committee also received a presentation on the concept of "One Nation – One Entrance Test" and SmartInsta Test-AI (SITAI).

The presentation was delivered by Balaveera Reddy, former Chairman of the Board of Governors at the National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal, and former Vice-Chancellor of Visvesvaraya Technological University.

The proposal focused on the potential role of technology and artificial intelligence in improving the entrance examination process.

Healthcare Accessibility Also Discussed

Apart from NEET-UG, the committee reviewed issues related to the affordability and accessibility of healthcare services in both the public and private sectors.

The panel heard oral evidence from senior officials, including representatives of:

• National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA)
• Quality Council of India (QCI)
• National Accreditation Board for Hospitals (NABH)
• Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)

The discussions focused on improving healthcare quality, regulation and affordability.

Third Parliamentary Panel to Review NEET Row

The Health Committee has become the third parliamentary panel to examine issues arising from the NEET-UG controversy.

Earlier, the matter was reviewed by:

• Parliamentary Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports
• Parliamentary Committee on Government Assurances

These committees had summoned officials from the Higher Education Ministry, Health Ministry, National Testing Agency (NTA), National Medical Commission (NMC) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which is investigating the alleged paper leak.

Focus on Preventing Future Paper Leaks

The parliamentary discussions come as policymakers continue to explore measures to strengthen the NTA and restore confidence in one of India's largest entrance examinations.

The original NEET-UG exam, conducted on May 3, was cancelled following allegations of a paper leak and was held again on June 21.

The latest review reflects Parliament's continued focus on ensuring transparency, examination security and institutional reforms.

Key Highlights

• Parliamentary Health Committee reviewed the conduct of NEET-UG and the functioning of the NTA.
• The panel sought a written report on reforms to strengthen the examination system.
• NTA officials and experts presented recommendations before the committee.
• A presentation on "One Nation – One Entrance Test" and SITAI was also made.
• The Health Committee is the third parliamentary panel to examine the NEET-UG controversy.

FAQs

Why did the parliamentary panel review NEET-UG?

The committee reviewed the conduct of NEET-UG and examined reforms needed to strengthen the National Testing Agency following concerns over the examination process.

Who chaired the committee meeting?

The meeting was chaired by Ram Gopal Yadav, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare.

What report did the committee seek?

The committee asked the concerned authorities to submit a written report outlining measures to improve the functioning and efficiency of the NTA.

What other topics were discussed?

The panel also reviewed the affordability and accessibility of healthcare services and heard presentations from several health regulatory bodies.

Why is NEET-UG under parliamentary scrutiny?

The examination has been reviewed by multiple parliamentary committees following allegations of a paper leak and concerns about the examination process, prompting discussions on reforms and stronger safeguards.