NEET PG Exam: Law and order has improved according to Govt., then why no exam center in Manipur

The postponement of the NEET PG exam from July 5 to August 11, amid allegations of question paper leaks, has stirred up significant controversy and concern among medical aspirants. While the delay itself is distressing, the decision to exclude Manipur as an exam centre in the rescheduled examination has sparked confusion. The Central government’s assertion that the law and order situation in Manipur has significantly improved stands in stark contrast to its actions, raising questions about trust, transparency, and administrative accountability.
The initial decision to hold the NEET PG exam on July 5 included Manipur as one of the exam centres. However, due to allegations of question paper leaks, the exam was postponed to August 11, with Manipur conspicuously missing from the list of exam centres. This sudden change has left many students from Manipur in a lurch, forcing them to travel to distant states to take a crucial examination that determines their future in the medical profession.
On one hand, central government claims that the law and order situation in Manipur has improved. On the other hand, government bodies denies the state an exam centre, implicitly suggesting a lack of confidence in the security and administrative apparatus of Manipur.
Manipur has been marred by communal violence since last year, particularly affecting relations between the Meitei and Kuki communities. While it is being said that the situation has shown signs of improvement, the decision to exclude Manipur from the NEET PG exam centres raises several pertinent questions. If the law and order situation is indeed under control, as the government claims, why are the students of Manipur being deprived of an opportunity to take their exams in their home state?
This decision not only undermines the efforts of the local administration but also casts a shadow on the credibility of the Central government’s statements. It is imperative to understand that such actions have a cascading effect on the morale of the residents of Manipur, especially the student community, which is already grappling with the pressures of competitive exams and career uncertainties.
For the students, this decision translates to logistical nightmares, financial burdens, and emotional stress. Many students may not have the means to travel to other states, arrange accommodation, or manage the additional expenses involved. The psychological toll of these added pressures cannot be overstated. These young aspirants, who should be focusing solely on their preparation, are now forced to deal with unnecessary hurdles imposed by administrative decisions.
Particularly concerning is the situation of Kuki students, who may face difficulties traveling to Imphal due to ongoing communal tensions. Special consideration should be given to these students by providing separate exam centres within their regions for their convenience. Ignoring these realities does not solve the problem but exacerbates it.
The NEET PG exam centre fiasco in Manipur highlights a critical need for transparency and accountability in decision-making processes. The authorities must provide a clear and rational explanation for the exclusion of Manipur as an exam centre.
Additionally, there should be a concerted effort to ensure that students are not left in the lurch due to administrative decisions. The government and examination authorities should consider setting up temporary arrangements or providing financial assistance to students who are forced to travel long distances. Furthermore, special arrangements for Kuki students should be made to ensure they are not disadvantaged due to the ongoing communal issues.