Mehtab Chandee Urges Authorities to Address NEET Protests in

Shillong, India Jul 25, 2026 ALN: Gambegre MLA Mehtab Chandee Sangma today urged authorities to listen patiently and sympathetically to students raising concerns over alleged irregularities in the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET), saying their grievances merit serious attention.

The remarks are significant as Mehtab’s National People’s Party (NPP), which leads the Democratic Alliance (MDA) government in the state, is an ally of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is feeling the protest heat as it heads the central government. NEET, a standardized test for medical college admissions in India, has long been a point of contention among students and educators alike, primarily due to concerns over its implementation and the fairness of the examination process.

Only yesterday, the opposition Voice of the People Party (VPP) had called on the state government to end its deafening silence over the protests. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, who is also Mehtab’s husband, has been conspicuously quiet about the student-led agitation, which has seen solidarity protests here in Shillong. The protests reflect a growing discontent among students who feel that their voices are not being heard in the midst of significant changes to the educational landscape, particularly in the medical field.

Also quiet is Rajya Sabha MP for , James PK Sangma, who is Conrad’s elder brother. He was sworn-in on Monday, the same day that protestors were violently dealt with by police in Delhi as they tried to march on Parliament. The timing of these events has raised questions about the government's responsiveness to the needs and concerns of students, especially in light of the ongoing protests that have gained momentum across the country.

Speaking to reporters, Mehtab Sangma said she was not in a position to comment on how the central government was dealing with the issue but maintained that the concerns expressed by students were genuine. Her acknowledgment of the students' grievances highlights the urgency of addressing the systemic issues that have led to widespread dissatisfaction with NEET.

“It is definitely a genuine issue,” she said. “We should have a sympathetic and patient hearing for students across the country because they are part of our society and they are the next generation.” This perspective emphasizes the importance of engaging with young individuals who are poised to become the future leaders and professionals in society. Their concerns, if left unaddressed, may lead to a deeper sense of alienation and frustration among the youth.

Asked whether the purpose behind introducing NEET was being defeated, the MLA, who also holds a medical degree, said the examination was brought in to ensure greater transparency and simplify the admission process. "The whole reason why NEET was introduced was because placements would become easier and there would be transparency in the distribution of seats,” she said. However, the reality has been marked by allegations of corruption, mismanagement, and inequities in access to resources, which have undermined the very goals that NEET was designed to achieve.

Sangma also pointed out that the present controversy was not an isolated case, noting that similar incidents had occurred in the past, indicating the need for systemic reforms. The historical context of NEET reveals a pattern of unrest and dissatisfaction, as students have repeatedly raised concerns about the examination's fairness and the adequacy of the processes surrounding it.

“It is not the first incident. There have been previous incidents, which means something, somewhere needs to be addressed. If we can dig deeper and identify where we are going wrong, I think we can deal with the issue more effectively,” she added. This statement underscores the necessity for a thorough examination of the policies and practices surrounding NEET and the educational system as a whole.

The NEET examination was introduced in 2013 as a means to streamline the admission process for medical colleges across India. Prior to its implementation, various state-level entrance exams and management quotas contributed to a fragmented and often opaque admission landscape. While the intention behind NEET was to create a level playing field for aspiring medical students, the reality has often been more complex.

Many students have expressed concerns regarding the quality of the examination, citing issues such as discrepancies in question papers, the adequacy of preparation resources, and the accessibility of coaching for students from less privileged backgrounds. These factors have led to a perception among many that NEET favors those who have better access to educational resources, thereby perpetuating existing inequalities in the education system.

Moreover, the psychological toll of high-stakes examinations like NEET cannot be overlooked. Students often face immense pressure to perform well, which can lead to anxiety and stress. The protests currently taking place are indicative of a broader frustration with an educational system that many feel is failing to meet their needs and aspirations.

In recent years, there have been calls for reforms not only in the examination process but also in the broader educational framework that governs medical admissions. Advocates for change argue that a more holistic approach to evaluating students, one that considers a range of factors beyond just exam scores, could lead to a more equitable system.

The implications of the ongoing protests extend beyond the immediate concerns of NEET. They reflect a growing awareness among students and the public about the need for accountability in the educational sector. As the protests continue to gain traction, it remains to be seen how the government will respond and whether meaningful dialogue can be established between authorities and the student body.

The situation in serves as a microcosm of the larger national debate surrounding educational reforms and the role of standardized testing in shaping the futures of young individuals. As students continue to voice their concerns, the call for a more transparent, equitable, and responsive educational system grows louder, and it is incumbent upon both state and central authorities to heed these calls for change.