The Assam government has decided to urge the Centre to introduce stricter security measures for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), including biometric verification of candidates at entry gates. This move follows concerns about students achieving high scores despite lacking sufficient practical and academic expertise. Addressing the media after a Cabinet meeting on Sunday, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that medical college faculty members had expressed concerns about the knowledge levels of students securing top ranks in NEET.”Several professors have informed us that students who excel in NEET often struggle with practical applications and academic understanding. This raised suspicions, prompting the Special Branch to initiate an investigation over a year and a half ago,” Sarma said. The Assam government has identified key areas of concern regarding NEET examinations. Reports from law enforcement agencies revealed that most examination centres are located in private institutions rather than government-run schools or colleges. In response, the state Cabinet has decided on three major measures:NEET Centres in Government Schools – The Assam government will formally request the Centre to conduct NEET exclusively in government-run schools to ensure a more controlled and standardized examination environment.Direct Supervision by District Authorities – The state will push for the National Testing Agency (NTA) and the Ministry of Education to place examination centres under the direct supervision of district commissioners and police superintendents for enhanced security and transparency.
Mandatory Biometric Verification – To prevent impersonation and malpractice, the Assam government will seek biometric verification of candidates at entry gates before they enter the examination halls. CM Sarma further stated that the Chief Secretary has been authorized to communicate these decisions to the NTA Director General and the Union Education Secretary. Additionally, he will personally take up the matter with Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to ensure necessary action. Apart from the NEET-related measures, the Assam Cabinet has also approved several other decisions. Quota Revocation in MBBS/BDS Admissions: The government has decided to revoke the reservation for students from Char areas (riverine islands) under the Assam MBBS/BDS Rules 2017, starting from the 2025-26 academic session. Regulation of Private Coaching Institutes: A new bill will be introduced in the ongoing budget session to regulate private coaching centres across Assam. Stricter Rules for Healthcare Institutions: An amendment will be introduced in the Srimanta Sankaradeva University of Health Sciences (SSUHS) Act, making it mandatory for new nursing, dental, and pharmaceutical institutions to obtain national security clearance from the Home Department before establishment. These institutions will also be required to adhere to secular principles and ensure no direct or indirect involvement in religious conversions.
The Cabinet has approved land allocation to the Industry Department for the development of two mega industrial parks in Kamrup and Morigaon districts. Additionally, a smart township and industrial hub will be set up in Hajo, Kamrup, to attract investors and boost Assam’s economic growth. Accredited Driver Training Centres: The state will establish automated driving testing tracks in all 126 constituencies to streamline the process of obtaining driving licenses. UNESCO Heritage Site Recognition: The government will make efforts to secure UNESCO World Heritage Site status for Majuli and Sivasagar, recognizing their historical and cultural significance.
The Assam Cabinet has announced that the state’s highest civilian award, ‘Assam Baibhav,’ will be conferred on Lt Gen (Retd) Rana Pratap Kalita, the first Assamese officer to become the Eastern Army Commander. Additionally, six individuals will receive the ‘Assam Saurav’ award, while 13 individuals and three organizations will be honored with the ‘Assam Gaurav’ award in a ceremony on March 30, presided over by the Governor of Assam.With these key decisions, the Assam government aims to enhance transparency in competitive examinations, boost industrial growth, and recognize the state’s cultural and historical heritage.Assam cabinet urges Centre for tougher NEET exam security
