NEET protests intensify in Chennai, several students and activists held

Protests swell across Chennai

Protests against the NEET medical entrance exam are gathering momentum in Chennai, with students and activists taking to the streets in increasing numbers. The demonstrations, which began as small gatherings, have now spread to multiple areas of the city, drawing participants from various colleges and organisations.

On Wednesday, police detained several students and activists as they tried to march towards the state secretariat. The detentions were carried out to prevent the situation from escalating, officials said.

Detentions and police response

The detentions took place in the morning when a large group of protesters attempted to breach a barricade near the Marina Beach. Police had earlier denied permission for the march, citing law and order concerns. Those detained were taken to nearby police stations and later released in the evening.

Among those held were leaders of student unions and local activist groups. Police have not yet confirmed the exact number of detainees, but eyewitnesses estimate it to be around 50.

Demands of the protesters

The protesters are demanding a complete scrapping of the NEET exam, arguing that it favours students from urban, English-medium backgrounds and disadvantages those from rural areas and vernacular schools. They are also calling for a return to the state-level entrance exam system that was in place earlier.

Several political parties have extended support to the agitation, with leaders from the DMK and its allies addressing the crowds. The ruling party at the state level has been critical of NEET, terming it an imposition on the state's autonomy in education.

Broader context

The protests in Chennai are part of a larger movement against NEET that has been simmering in Tamil Nadu for years. The state has a history of strong opposition to the common entrance test, with previous agitations seeing massive participation from students and parents alike.

The issue has also been taken to court, with multiple petitions pending before the Supreme Court challenging the constitutional validity of NEET. The outcome of these cases is being closely watched by all stakeholders.

What happens next will depend on the state government's response and the legal proceedings. With the exam season approaching, the pressure on authorities to address the protesters' demands is only expected to grow.