Chennai: In response to Governor R N Ravi's pro-NEET stance, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin declared that the Tamil Nadu government would refrain from attending the tea party hosted by the Governor on Independence Day.
The Chief Minister's announcement comes two days after Governor Ravi's statement asserting his reluctance to approve the Tamil Nadu Assembly Bill seeking exemption from the ambit of the national medical entrance examination, NEET. Ravi's remarks, where he voiced his unwillingness to provide assent to the bill if vested with the authority, have been debated across the state, particularly among students and the youth.
CM Stalin vehemently condemned Governor Ravi's comments, expressing his shock and concern over the impact of such statements, reported PTI.
The bill, which seeks to exempt Tamil Nadu from the purview of NEET, awaits the President's approval. In response, Chief Minister Stalin revealed that a letter would be dispatched to the President, requesting her endorsement of the bill.
Terming Governor Ravi's remarks as "irresponsible" and a disservice to Tamil Nadu's prolonged anti-NEET struggle, Chief Minister Stalin emphasised the gravity of the situation. The Chief Minister's condemnation resonated deeply with the recent tragic events surrounding a student's suicide due to the pressure of NEET.
Speaking about the tragic deaths of students like Jagatheeswaran, who aspired to pursue a medical degree, Chief Minister Stalin raised profound moral questions. He pondered whether the freedom celebrated on Independence Day is equally accessible to all citizens or if it remains a privilege for a select few.
Addressing Governor Ravi's apparent insensitivity to the challenges faced by students from diverse economic backgrounds, Chief Minister Stalin asserted that the Governor's stance seems to disregard the potential opportunities lost by economically disadvantaged students due to the imposition of NEET.
Chief Minister Stalin drew attention to Governor Ravi's pattern of pro-NEET comments and their potential ramifications. While acknowledging the tendency to dismiss Governor Ravi's political comments on various topics, Chief Minister Stalin expressed deep concern over the potential impact of his stance on education, particularly on students from marginalised backgrounds.
Highlighting the significance of Tamil Nadu students' future, Chief Minister Stalin stressed the government's commitment to their welfare. In a direct critique of Governor Ravi's actions, CM said his activities have allegedly disrupted the state's higher education and university systems. The Chief Minister characterised Governor Ravi's withholding of assent to assembly bills as a detriment to the state's progress.