Various people and organisations have voiced against the Centre’s decision to hold the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) in September.
Joining the bandwagon, the National Students’ Union of India (NUI) on Friday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to demand their postponement.
“With about 26 lakh students registered for the entrance exams and lakhs of final-year students, the exercise will lend much greater possibility to the spread of Covid-19,” the NSUI wrote.
“Furthermore, the cycle will never cease and only act as a catalyst, endangering more vulnerable lives,” it added.
The NSUI also questioned how the authorities would ensure social distancing with such a large number of people.
“If it is not ensured properly, it will be an invitation to a health hazard or a ‘man-made disaster’,” they said.
The student body also highlighted that public transport, including trains, remained suspended due to the pandemic and that in such a scenario, it would be difficult for students to travel.
The student body also said that a few states are also battling a flood crisis and hence in such a scenario, postponing the examinations would be in the best interests of all.
“I humbly request the Prime Minister to look into these prime concerns. I hope that he will make the best decision, as students’ safety is of paramount concern,” said NSUI president Neeraj Kundan.
Meanwhile, BJP MP Subramanian Swamy to has sought Modi’s intervention to postpone the NEET and the JEE till Diwali.