Why Mr. Narendra Modi’s Silence on JEE and NEET Postponement Matters

India is currently grappling with a critical decision regarding the postponement of the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) and National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). This decision has profound implications for three distinct groups of people: students, educational institutions, and the next year's batch of Class XII students. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a leader with significant influence over the nation, has remained silent on this matter. This silence underscores the complexity and the challenges of making a clear decision in the best interests of all stakeholders involved.

1. The Students

The students are, without a doubt, the most impacted by this decision. Their safety and well-being must be paramount. Here are the key considerations:

Exam Environment: Computer centers are often air-conditioned, which can increase the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Can students be separated by at least 12 feet on either side to minimize risk? Educational Concerns: Wearing masks during exams can lead to discomfort and potentially affect their ability to focus. How will students manage this challenge? Catering to Disadvantaged Students: What about students who do not have access to personal transportation? How will they travel to the exam centers, especially in flood-prone areas?

These factors must be thoroughly addressed before any decision is made. The safety of the students must be non-negotiable.

2. Educational Institutions and Colleges

College deans and administrators are also heavily invested in this decision. They argue that if the academic year starts after November 2020, students will miss an entire year of education. Moreover, canceling the year would result in a significant increase in the number of aspirants in the following year, creating unfair competition and potential logistical challenges.

Therefore, they urge that the exams cannot be postponed if the year is to begin as scheduled. The pressure on educational institutions is immense, and they are advocating for a firm stance on the continuation of exams.

3. The Next Year's Batch of Class XII Students

This group of students is also at stake. If this year's exams are canceled, they will face unfair competition as they will be competing with the current batch. Even with alternative admission methods, such as Class XII marks, they may demand a similar approach the following year. This creates a cycle of increasing competition and potential stress on the education system.

Moreover, the next year's Class XII students are watching eagerly and will need assurance that their transition into higher education will be fair and smooth.

The Prime Minister's Dilemma

The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, faces a delicate balancing act. If he opts not to postpone the exams, the risk of exacerbating the health crisis and potentially resulting in student fatalities is significant. On the other hand, if he does postpone the exams, the long-term consequences could be dire, including increased competition and logistical challenges for educational institutions.

Leslie Haden, a prominent figure in the Quorans, suggests that the students should make the final decision. They and their parents should weigh the pros and cons carefully. If a majority of students decide to retake the exam the following year, acknowledging the increased competition, it would be their informed choice.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the decision lies with the students and their parents. As a parent, one would advise their children not to take the exam. The risks, even if minimal, are not worth the potential outcomes. With the number of daily cases at 75,000 and the ever-present threat of a virulent strain, caution is paramount.

Chancellors, deans, ministers, Prime Minister Modi, NDTV, Congress, BJP, and the Twitterati—none of them can make this decision alone. The students must lead the way, with their parents' guidance and support.

Tags: JEE, NEET, Postponement