New Delhi: As a strong oppose to Central Government's decision to go ahead with NEET and JEE examinations amid Covid-19 pandemic, Congress party is going to stage a nationwide demonstration at its states and district head offices, on Friday, along with a launch of the online campaign, demanding cancellation of these exams.
In a statement released by Congress General Secretary in charge KC Venugopal, it has been stated, "Lakhs of students and parents from across the country are rightfully educating and demanding to postpone the JEE-NEET exams scheduled to be held in the middle of ever-burgeoning COVID crisis. However, an ever insensitive and mindless Central Government is moving ahead with the decision to hold these exams despite the obvious it was it holds."
JEE has been scheduled from September 1 to 6, while NEET will be held on September 13. Last week, a petition was filed by 11 students from 11 states asking for the exams to be deferred, but the apex court rejected it. The decision has created a huge concern owing to the fear of COVID infection at the designated centres.
"Apart from the very obvious vulnerability and risk of infection, the decision to hold exams will undoubtedly make it increasingly difficult for students to appear for the exam due to the availability of Limited transport and lodging during the pandemic," Venugopal added.
Also read: Amarinder Singh directs AG to file review petition in SC on NEET/JEE exams
Congress interim President Sonia Gandhi also held a virtual meeting with Chief Ministers of like-minded parties to discuss over the matter. All the CMs have stressed upon the need to oppose this move collectively and it has been decided that the state governments will move to Supreme Court to file a review petition.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also raised this issue in his tweet, saying, "NEET-JEE aspirants are worried about their health and future. They have genuine concerns of- fear of COVID-19 infection, transport and lodging during a pandemic, flood-mayhem in Assam and Bihar. GOI must listen to all stakeholders and find an acceptable solution."
In this regard, NSUI is also holding an indefinite hunger strike demanding the postponement of JEE, NEET exams.
KC Venugopal informed that the state units of Congress party will hold protests on August 28 at 11 am, in front of Central Government's offices at state and district headquarters.
Along with this, an online campaign, '#SpeakUpForStudentSafety', on the same day at 10 am, in which videos will be posted on Congress' social media platform, raising concerns over the matter.
Also read: Holding NEET, JEE will risk exposing 28 lakh students to COVID: Sisodia
