CUET exemption: TMC flays govt’s dilly-dallying

SHILLONG, May 30: Questioning the state government for rubber-stamping central orders and policies, the Opposition TMC on Thursday urged the state government to adopt a more critical and proactive approach to central policies like the Common University Entrance Test (CUET).
“We are deeply concerned about the recent exemption of CUET for over 30,000 Meghalaya students, announced by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma. While this decision brings much-needed relief, it raises critical questions about the state government’s approach to central policies,” said TMC leader Richard M Marak.
Questioning the delay in the exemption, he said, “The NTA has already profited from students, who had to bear the costs of transportation, lodging, and food. This raises the question: Why did our state government take so long to act?”
Meghalaya has been granted exemption from the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) for the third straight time.
Slamming the state government, he said, “Our state government must stop rubber-stamping central orders and start scrutinising them. Not all policies are one-size-fits-all. Meghalaya, with its unique context and challenges, cannot be compared to metropolitan cities”.
Calling for pro-active leadership, he said, “Why are we always playing catch-up? It’s time for our government to be proactive, ensuring that policies are relevant and beneficial to our state before implementing them”.
“We urge the state government to adopt a more critical and proactive approach to central policies. Better late than never. Meghalaya deserves better,” he added.
It may be mentioned that in response to significant concerns raised regarding the conduct of the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) for undergraduate admissions in 2024, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma convened a review meeting involving the National Testing Agency (NTA), North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) officials, and the State Education Department.
During the meeting, it was highlighted that numerous students had failed to register for the CUET (UG) 2024.
Additionally, many who registered did not appear for the examination, and some who did attend did not complete all mandatory papers. Reports of mismanagement at the NEHU Centre further compounded the issues.
Recognising the potential impact on college admissions and the difficulty NEHU-affiliated colleges might face in filling seats for the upcoming academic session, the CM promptly addressed the matter with the Ministry of Education.
The goal was to seek an exemption from the CUET (UG) 2024 for admissions to NEHU-affiliated colleges in Meghalaya for the 2024-2025 academic session.
Subsequently, the the Union Minister of Education granted the requested exemption.
Consequently, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has confirmed that CUET scores will not be required for admission to NEHU-affiliated colleges in Meghalaya for the specified academic session.
Admissions will revert to being based on students’ performance in their Board examinations, continuing the practice of previous years.