Medical Education was an Open Business Before NEET: J P Nadda

Key Highlights:

• Addressing Corruption: Health Minister J P Nadda highlighted that before NEET, the medical education sector was rife with corruption, with postgraduate seats being sold for exorbitant amounts. He emphasized that NEET has played a crucial role in curbing these malpractices and ensuring a fair admission process.
• Fair Admission Process: Nadda pointed out that NEET has streamlined the medical admission process, reducing the need for students to travel across the country for exams and minimizing the influence of corruption.
• Historical Issues: The minister shared that prior to NEET, the admission process was highly manipulated, with admission lists being put up for brief periods and then altered to benefit vested interests.
• Supreme Court Involvement: Nadda noted that the issue of corruption in medical admissions was long-standing and had been pending before the Supreme Court, which further underscored the need for a standardized and transparent examination process like NEET.

These statements were made during a discussion on a private member resolution in the Rajya Sabha, emphasizing the significance of NEET in reforming medical education in India.