Govt eyes ordinance to defer NEET to 2017

The Centre is considering bringing an ordinance to defer the common medical and dental entrance test, NEET, by one year, sources in the government said. However, a final decision is yet to be taken. The SC had ordered the Centre to conduct NEET from this year. However, several MPs had opposed this, raising concerns about language and syllabus to argue that holding the exam this year may deprive students from remote areas of a fair shot. So far, there is no clarity on whether an ordinance will suffice to delay NEET or a new law will be required. The issue had by Tuesday not been listed for discussion at Wednesday's Cabinet meeting. Earlier this week, Union health minister J P Nadda met state health ministers for talks on the issue, with the Centre also convening an all-party meeting.

(ToI)