Supreme Court Advocates for Childcare and Feeding Rooms in Public Spaces

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Supreme Court Advocates for Childcare and Feeding Rooms in Public Spaces The Supreme Court of India has suggested that the Union Government develop a comprehensive policy addressing the construction of feeding rooms and childcare facilities  in public places. This move aims to ensure that nursing mothers and their children can access basic amenities in a dignified and private manner, reinforcing their fundamental rights under the Indian Constitution. SC Encourages Policy Formulation A bench comprising Justice BV Nagarathna  and Justice N Kotiswar Singh  highlighted the absence of a structured framework to address this pressing issue. The court advised the Centre to propose a policy that could then be implemented across the states, scheduling the next hearing for December 10, 2024.   The apex court emphasized that before issuing formal directions, it was crucial to understand the Centre’s perspective on implementing the petitioner’s demand for childcare and feedi...

NEET Row: Education Ministry Seeks Detailed Report from Bihar Police

NEET Row: Education Ministry Seeks Detailed Report 

from Bihar Police



The Ministry of Education has sought a detailed report from the Economic Offences Unit of the Bihar Police over alleged irregularities in the conduct of the NEET (UG) examination 2024 in Patna. This move comes in response to mounting concerns regarding the integrity of the examination process, particularly in light of recent allegations of malpractice.


What is NEET?


The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is a competitive examination in India for students aspiring to pursue undergraduate medical and dental courses in government and private institutions. NEET is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), which ensures standardized and transparent testing procedures.


Recent Controversy: A Timeline of Events


May 5, 2024: NEET (UG) 2024 was conducted across the country. However, soon after the exam, allegations of paper leakage and other malpractices surfaced, particularly in Patna.


Early June 2024: Several petitions were filed in the Supreme Court seeking the recall of NEET-UG 2024 results and a fresh examination, citing paper leakage, compensatory marks issues, and other irregularities.


June 2024: The NTA informed the Supreme Court that the scorecards of 1,563 candidates who received "grace marks" due to time loss during the exam would be cancelled. These students would have the opportunity to reappear for the exam scheduled for June 23, with results expected by June 30.


June 2024: The Ministry of Education, addressing the issue of grace marks, reiterated its commitment to strict action against any individual or organization found involved in the NEET (UG) examination irregularities. The Supreme Court refused to stay the counselling process for NEET-UG 2024, underscoring the need to address these issues promptly.


June 19, 2024: The Ministry of Education announced that it had sought a detailed report from the Economic Offences Unit of the Bihar Police regarding the alleged irregularities in Patna. This statement highlighted the government's intent to take stringent action based on the findings of the report.


What is the NTA?


The National Testing Agency (NTA) is an autonomous and self-sustained testing organization under the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education. Established in 2017, the NTA conducts entrance examinations for admission/fellowship in higher educational institutions. The NTA aims to improve equity and quality in education by developing and administering efficient and transparent exams.


Legal Provisions and Oversight


The establishment and functioning of the NTA, as well as the conduct of NEET, fall under the purview of the Ministry of Education, guided by various educational policies and regulatory frameworks. The NTA operates with a mandate to ensure fair, transparent, and standardized testing, as outlined in the National Testing Agency Act and related regulations.


Steps for Ensuring Examination Integrity


1. Enhanced Security Measures: Implement advanced surveillance and biometric verification at examination centers to prevent malpractices.

   

2. Strict Penalties: Enforce stringent penalties for individuals and organizations involved in examination malpractices, including cancellation of results and legal action.


3. Transparent Processes: Ensure transparency in the question paper setting, distribution, and evaluation processes to prevent leaks and irregularities.


4. Regular Audits: Conduct regular audits and third-party reviews of the examination process to identify and rectify vulnerabilities.


5. Student Support: Provide support and clear communication to affected students, ensuring that their educational prospects are not unduly harmed by procedural issues.


Conclusion


The NEET (UG) 2024 controversy underscores the critical need for rigorous oversight and transparent processes in competitive examinations. As the Ministry of Education and the NTA work to address these issues, it is essential to restore confidence in the examination system and ensure that such irregularities do not recur.

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