Earlier, TN government informed the High Court (HC) that it would set up coaching centers for the students which will help them (students) in their preparation of the NEET exam. However, the so generous plan of the TN government is attracting a lot of heat from the educationists.
Educationists are raising their voices saying that now students will have to go through the process of attending the coaching classes in addition to attending the classes of the higher secondary.
Educationist and former Delhi professor Anil Sadagopal said that the setting coaching institutes for to train students for the exams is similar to train the horses for the race. “Coaching centers are places to teach tricks. How will they help a doctor or engineer? Moreover, the idea of coaching centers by the state is contrary to the two Bills (Tamil Nadu Admissions to Post Graduate Courses in Medicine and Dentistry Bill, 2017,
and Tamil Nadu Admissions to MBBS and BDS Courses Bill, 2017) they passed in the Assembly and which are awaiting the President's approval. Why is nobody talking about that?” Sadagopal said.
Sadgopal said that implementing the NEET and setting coaching centers in TN for NEET preparation will destroy the unique public health network and strength of doctors in rural areas in TN. “When there is no in-service quota in the government sector, why should doctors with advanced degrees work in rural areas? Whether these coaching classes are free or not, the government should realize that the fundamental problem is equitable access in our social realities, not uneven syllabus,” he said.
Prince Gajendrababu of State Platform for Common School System said that setting coaching centers which is considered so normal these days is actually a system to torture the students.
He also raised a question that how many centers does the government intend to set up? “Possibly they will end up striking agreements with private players, supply materials and engage subject experts. But for how many students?” he asked.
Babu said that setting coaching centers is like challenging the morale and ability of the students. “NEET and this idea of coaching centers comes from minds that have no clue about how the majority live in the country. Imagine if I am a student and my father is a fruit seller or farmer. Should I not go and help my father after class hours?… Aren't you giving me enough lessons in the school syllabus and asking me to attend coaching classes in addition after my class hours? Why should I pass the higher secondary exam then? Aren't you insisting that I excel in a memory testing game called NEET?” he said.