Scandal Unfolds: UGC-NET Cancellation Sparks Controversy

The Centre's cancellation of the UGC-NET exam, amidst allegations of compromised integrity, has stirred controversy. The investigation has been handed over to the CBI following inputs from the National Cyber Crime Threat Analytics Unit. Minister Bratya Basu has questioned the credibility of central probe agencies.

West Bengal Education Minister Bratya Basu on Thursday criticized the Centre's decision to cancel the UGC-NET exam, calling it a 'yet another scandal in a series' of irregularities.

Amid ongoing controversies surrounding the NEET medical entrance exam and its alleged irregularities, the Centre, on June 19, canceled the UGC-NET following inputs suggesting the exam's integrity may have been compromised. The matter has now been handed over to the CBI for a thorough investigation.

'A new scandal in the market! The cancellation of UGC-NET due to compromised exam integrity,' Basu remarked.

UGC-NET determines the eligibility for junior research fellowships, assistant professor appointments, and PhD admissions in Indian universities and colleges.

Basu questioned the CBI's effectiveness, 'Can they nab the Head?' However, he did not specify whom he was referring to as the 'Head'. He further expressed doubts about the credibility of central agencies like the CBI.

'We need assurance that the CBI will track down all involved, including the kingpins of the scandal in BJP-ruled states. Will they? I am skeptical,' Basu stated.

Basu had earlier urged central agencies to investigate NEET irregularities, questioning the Centre's consistency in addressing such issues across states.

In the meantime, the Jadavpur University Teachers' Association (JUTA) called for a new date for the canceled UGC-NET exam.

The Ministry of Education justified the cancellation citing inputs from the National Cyber Crime Threat Analytics Unit, hinting at a potential compromise in the exam's integrity. They announced, 'To ensure transparency and sanctity, UGC-NET June 2024 exam is canceled,' while promising details for a rescheduled examination.

This year's National Eligibility Test (NET), held on June 18 in a pen-and-paper format, saw a record 11 lakh student registrations.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)