Tamil Nadu Students Face Tragic Consequences Amid NEET Pressure

Dharshini, a NEET aspirant, allegedly died by suicide due to exam anxiety in Kilambakkam, Tamil Nadu. This follows another similar incident involving Indhu from Tindivanam, adding to ongoing debates about the NEET exam’s impact on students. The Tamil Nadu government continues to seek exemptions from NEET due to concerns about its fairness.

In Kilambakkam, Tamil Nadu, a student identified as Dharshini, who was preparing for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), allegedly died by suicide due to exam-related anxiety. This tragic event occurred on Saturday, and the upcoming NEET exam is scheduled for May 4. The Kilambakkam Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding her death.

On March 1, another student named Indhu from Thadapuram village in Tindivanam also took her life due to fear of failing her NEET exam. Indhu, who had previously scored 350 marks in her earlier attempt and had been preparing diligently for this year, was found hanging at home by her family after they returned from work. Her family alerted the authorities, and the cause of death is currently under investigation.

Additionally, another case from October 2024 involved a 19-year-old named S. Punitha from Salem district, who also died by suicide after failing to secure a medical seat despite two years of preparation. The Tamil Nadu government has expressed concerns about NEET, advocating that it disadvantages underprivileged and Tamil-medium students. In June 2024, the legislative assembly passed a resolution against the exam.

The ongoing debate over NEET continues as the ruling DMK party and its allies demand an exemption for Tamil Nadu, underscoring the immense pressure students face in preparing for this competitive examination.

The recent suicides of students Dharshini and Indhu highlight the severe emotional distress linked to the NEET examination process. These tragedies have reignited concerns regarding the fairness of NEET, particularly for economically disadvantaged students. As discussions surrounding NEET continue, calls for an exemption from the exam in Tamil Nadu grow stronger, reflecting the government’s long-standing opposition to the test.

Original Source: www.ndtv.com