AMU rejects NEET for its medical college admissions

Aligarh: Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) has rejected the Ministry of HRD proposal for National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) for the admission in MBBS course. NEET test is to be introduced from 2013 and will cover MBBS and MD courses offered by 271 medical colleges, 138 govt-run and 133 private. As minority instuttions both Jamia Millia Islamia and Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) are eligible for 50% seats to be reserved for minorities. Administrations of both universities have sought clarification that becoming part of NEET will not mean giving up quota for minorities. Talking to TwoCircles.net, Rahat Abrar, spokesperson of AMU confirmed that this decision was taken by the Executive Council yesterday. “The decision is a historic step,” said Prof. Razaullah Khan, President of the Millat Bedari Muhim Committee (MBMC), Aligarh. He pointed out that compelling AMU to adopt the said test “will amount interference in the internal matter of University and that will not be tolerated at all.” He was addressing an emergency meeting of MBMC called to hail the decision of AMU Executive Council at Media Centre Aligarh. Secretary of MBMC Jasim Mohammad said that AMU must not concede the orders of the ministry. He said that the issue of minority character is also held up and the previous Vice-Chancellor Dr. P. K. Abdul Azis totally failed in carrying on the issue. He even could not send the pleader of University to attend date in Court. Member AMU Court & Eminent Scientist Prof. Humayun Murad pointed out that AMU is historical University with a special purpose to educate Muslims and to achieve that target; it should be declared a minority institution by legislation. Hailing the decision of EC, Ex President of AMU Student Union Dr. Syed Mohsin Raza said that AMU community on local and global level must come forward to demand Minority Character for AMU and should urge upon the present vice-chancellor Lt. Gen. Zameer Uddin Shah to sincerely pursue the matter. MBMC passed a resolution demanding that NEET should not be implemented in Aligarh Muslim University and the Central Government must bring legislation to Amend Article 30 for declaring AMU a minority education institution. In another resolution, the Vice-Chancellor, Lt. Gen. Zameer Uddin Shah has been hailed for his farsightedness and assured full support. - TCN News,