A tragic incident unfolded in Chennai as a 48-year-old man, P. Selvasekar, ended his life a day after his 19-year-old son, Jegadeshwaran, took his own life following his failure to clear the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET). Selvasekar, who ran a photo studio, reportedly struggled to cope with the loss of his son. These back-to-back suicides have ignited discussions on the impact of NEET and urgent calls for government intervention.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, deeply affected by the incidents, has urged President Droupadi Murmu to grant assent to the State’s NEET exemption Bill. He emphasized that this bill reflects the collective will of the people of Tamil Nadu. The tragic deaths have intensified the debate on the necessity and implications of NEET, a standardized test for medical admissions.
Jegadeshwaran, a Class XII student from a CBSE school, attempted NEET twice but fell short of the required marks for government-quota medical admissions. His suicide has prompted questions about the fairness and impact of the NEET system.
The series of events also led Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development Udhayanidhi Stalin to assert that the elimination of NEET is imminent. He expressed that the anti-NEET Bill, which was passed by the Assembly but faced delays from the Governor, holds the key to preventing further tragedies.
CM M.K. Stalin extended condolences and urged students not to resort to extreme measures, assuring them of the government’s efforts to address the NEET issue. In his plea to the President, he highlighted the urgency of implementing the NEET exemption Bill, as each day’s delay not only jeopardizes deserving students’ medical seats but also puts precious human lives at risk.
In a separate move, Chief Minister Stalin announced his government’s decision to boycott the Independence Day ‘At Home’ event at Raj Bhavan, hosted by Governor R.N. Ravi. This decision reflects the government’s stance on the NEET issue.
The tragic suicides and the government’s response underscore the complex challenges posed by the NEET system and its broader societal implications. The incident has prompted a renewed call for a comprehensive review of the NEET policy to ensure a fair and equitable system for aspiring medical students.
For mental health support, individuals in distress can call Sanjivini, Society for Mental Health at 011-40769002.
