PCC CPI (ML)’s protest against centrally organized exam scandal and demand for restoration of federal system. – PCC CPI(ML)

The recent scandal involving the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) has exposed
severe flaws in the examination system. The controversy began with the allocation of grace
marks to certain students, which resulted in 67 candidates topping the exam— an
unprecedented event in NEET’s history. This issue was taken to the Supreme Court, which
nullified all grace marks and ordered a re-examination.
Furthermore, a question paper leak was discovered, prompting the cancellation of the UGC
NET conducted within the Ministry of Education just 24 hours later. Over the past seven years,
there have been approximately 70 incidents of question leaks. In response, the Ministry of
Education has assigned the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate the matter.
However, given the recent track record of central agencies, we remain skeptical about the
impartiality and effectiveness of this investigation.
We suspect that the Ministry of Education may be complicit in these malpractices, and we are
not convinced that the truth will be fully uncovered by the CBI. There might be an attempt to
shift the blame to local individuals or groups while shielding the Ministry. We insist that the
CBI should conduct its investigation under the direct oversight of the Chief Justice of India,
ensuring transparency and accountability.
The current global capitalist system is deeply intertwined with corruption, which is an
inherent aspect of its operation. When capitalism faces crises, the level of corruption
escalates. The model of development being pursued today is often characterized as ‘jobless
growth’ by economists, meaning it fails to generate new employment opportunities. This has
been evident in India since the advent of neoliberal economic policies.
Since 2014, the centralization of power by the BJP government has exacerbated these issues,
with corruption becoming rampant at both the central and state levels. We advocate for the
devolution of powers that were originally vested in the states, as per our constitution. Despite
the Union Government’s claims, it has consistently exhibited authoritarian tendencies. States
had more autonomy in the past, but this has been steadily eroded since the BJP came to
power in 2014, leading to what can only be described as a move towards fascist centralization.
The Tamil Nadu state government has already raised objections regarding the centralized
control over medical and engineering entrance exams and has called for a return to the
previous system. We support this demand. Beyond entrance exams, we call for the
recognition of states’ rights in broader educational policies, syllabi, and issues related to
health, land revenue, and land management. Strengthening the federal structure will not only
uphold democratic principles but also help in curbing corruption.
We urge immediate action to restore and protect the rights of states, ensuring a truly federal
and transparent governance system.
Issued by: Central Committee, CPIML PCC