Kiren Rijiju Urges NEET Debate Without Politicising Issue, Says NDA Ready for Discussion

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday said the NDA government is prepared to hold a discussion on the NEET issue in both Houses of Parliament, accusing the Congress of creating hurdles by insisting on preconditions.

Speaking in the Rajya Sabha during the Monsoon Session, Rijiju said that after a meeting with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and other opposition leaders, the government was hopeful that a discussion on NEET would take place.

However, he alleged that the Congress later attached conditions to the proposed debate, which, according to him, indicated an intention to stall rather than facilitate the discussion.

"We also want a discussion on NEET. We requested that the manner of the discussion should be decided together, but no conditions should be imposed. By putting conditions, it appears that the intention is not right and that you want to block the discussion," Rijiju said.

The minister urged all political parties to allow a debate on the issue without politicising it, stressing that the concerns of students and the integrity of the examination system should remain the primary focus.

Rijiju also highlighted the Centre's response to the paper leak issue, stating that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already taken strong steps to curb examination malpractices and ensure stricter action against those responsible.

The NEET controversy and examination paper leak have remained key issues during the ongoing Monsoon Session, with both the government and the Opposition continuing to spar over accountability and the need for reforms in the examination system.