Chennai, Aug 17: Protests against the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) continued in Chennai despite the Tamil Nadu Assembly adopting a fresh resolution opposing the medical entrance examination, with campaigners maintaining that only its complete abolition can address concerns over equitable access to medical education.
Two separate agitations are currently underway in Tiruvottiyur and Egmore, reflecting continued public mobilisation over the issue even after the Assembly acted on one of the protesters’ demands.
In Tiruvottiyur, former Indian Revenue Service officer Balamurugan has remained on an indefinite hunger strike since July 27. On August 16, his fast entered its 20th day. He has stated that he will continue the protest until his demands are met.
Apart from seeking exemption for Tamil Nadu from NEET, Balamurugan has also demanded the resignation of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant over his reported remarks concerning cockroaches and the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the alleged assault on students in Delhi.
As the hunger strike entered its third week, concerns were raised about Balamurugan’s health. Manirathnam, brother of late medical aspirant S. Anitha, visited the protest site and urged the Tamil Nadu government to arrange medical examinations for him and provide a designated venue for the agitation. Since no official venue has been allotted, Balamurugan has continued the protest from his residence.
Earlier, Manirathnam and members of the Anti-NEET Federation-Tamil Nadu had ended their own 12-day hunger strike after the Assembly passed the resolution opposing NEET, stating that one of their key demands had been fulfilled. However, the organisation continues to press for the restoration of education to the State List, enabling states to determine their own admission policies, along with the eventual abolition of NEET.
Meanwhile, another protest has entered its 24th day at Thayagam Complex on Rukmani Lakshmipathi Road in Egmore. Organised by the OG Tamizha collective, the demonstration is held daily from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. and has drawn participation from students, educationists and activists.
The organisers have incorporated music, theatre, dance and other art forms into the campaign under the slogan “Let’s celebrate resistance.” Educationist Prince Gajendra Babu and Manirathnam are among those who have expressed solidarity with the demonstrators.
Protesters have urged Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar to approve the Assembly resolution, arguing that only a complete end to NEET can resolve the issue.
The latest resolution follows an earlier Bill passed in 2024 by the then DMK government seeking exemption from NEET, which did not receive presidential assent.
While moving the latest resolution in the Assembly, Health and Medical Education Minister K.G. Arunraj argued that NEET favours students who can afford expensive coaching and shifts focus away from the school curriculum. He also stated that the examination reduces opportunities for rural, economically weaker and socially disadvantaged students, thereby undermining equality in medical admissions.
