01 Jul 2024 | 09:19 AM UTC
India: Further protests denouncing alleged exam irregularities likely nationwide through at least early July /update 3
Further protests against alleged exam irregularities likely across India through at least early July. Localized disruptions probable.
Various student unions and political parties will likely continue to protest nationwide through at least early July to denounce alleged irregularities in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) for medical admissions. Since early June, student groups such as the National Student's Union of India and opposition parties like the Indian National Congress (INC) and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) have held related demonstrations in cities such as Delhi, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Chennai, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Patna, and Ranchi, among others. In Chennai, the state-ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party's youth wing plans to protest at Valluvar Kottam from 09:00 July 3.
Further gatherings of various types, including street marches, will likely occur in urban centers over the coming days. Potential rally sites include prominent government buildings, educational facilities, political party offices, public squares, and major thoroughfares. In the capital Delhi, protesters will likely continue to stage protests at Jantar Mantar observatory, National Testing Agency (NTA), and Ministry of Education. Participation will likely vary by locale and sponsoring entity, with INC and AAP gatherings likely to attract hundreds to thousands of attendees.
Authorities will almost certainly monitor such gatherings and could use force to disperse unruly crowds. Localized transport and business disruptions are likely. Clashes between police and activists, as well as between supporters of opposing political groups, are possible.
Avoid all demonstrations as a standard precaution. Depart the area at the first sign of any security disturbance. Plan accordingly for potential localized transport and business disruptions. Heed all official transport and security advisories.
The ongoing protests across India are in response to concerns regarding alleged irregularities in the NEET results, which were declared June 4. These suspected irregularities are related to purported paper leaks, discrepancies in the application of extra points, and broader systemic concerns about the fairness of the examination process. In response, the central government has initiated a CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) probe into the allegations. At the same time, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has voided some students' scores and conducted a re-examination June 23. Additionally, India's Supreme Court has scheduled hearings on petitions related to the results July 8. Despite the measures, student unions and opposition parties demand increased accountability and transparency in the examination process.
