New Delhi: With the NEET-PG examination dates set for August, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has instructed all state governments to enhance security at examination centers and coordinate with central agencies to ensure a seamless process.
Following the NEET-UG paper leak controversy, which is under investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), multiple meetings were held earlier this week involving Union government ministries, departments, and central agencies, according to officials.
A senior official, speaking anonymously, stated, “In view of the NEET-PG exam to be conducted by the NTA, the MHA has asked all state governments to ensure security at the exam centers. Additionally, states have been directed to fully coordinate with the central agencies conducting the examinations.”
Last week, the MHA held several meetings with Directors General of Police (DGPs) from various states, concerned agencies, and Union ministries of Education, AYUSH, Health, and its I4C Wing to maintain the credibility of the centers and the examination process, officials noted.
Officials mentioned that new protocols have been established for future exams, including deploying one representative each from the local police, the concerned ministry, and the testing agency at the exam centers. These protocols were agreed upon during a meeting between representatives of the Centre and the states.
In preparation for this agreement, Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla discussed with Chief Secretaries and DGPs of all states last week, seeking their assistance in providing an additional inspection layer for the examinations by appointing a civilian and a police observer for each exam center.
The National Board of Examination in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has issued a revised schedule to conduct the NEET-PG 2024 on August 11, 2024, in two shifts.
The All India AYUSH Postgraduate Entrance Examination (AIAPGET) and Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) will also be held on July 6.
Notably, the CBI, investigating the NEET-UG paper leak cases, has conducted raids in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Gujarat, resulting in the arrest of seven individuals. However, Sanjeev Mukhiya, the alleged mastermind behind the NEET-UG paper leak, remains at large.
