DMK Student Wing Calls for Statewide Protests Against UGC-NET Exam on Pongal Days
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Chennai, Dec 21 (NationPress) The student faction of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has declared statewide demonstrations against the National Testing Agency (NTA) due to the timing of the University Grants Commission-National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) on January 15 and 16, which overlaps with Pongal, one of Tamil Nadu's most revered festivals.
The UGC-NET timetable includes 17 tests on January 15, spanning subjects such as mass communication and journalism, law, electronic science, and environmental sciences.
These examinations will occur in two shifts, on a day when millions of Tamilians honor Pongal.
Additionally, 14 exams are lined up for January 16, which is also a public holiday recognized as Thiruvalluvar Day in the region.
The DMK Students’ Wing Secretary CVMP Ezhilarasan, MLA, vehemently criticized this decision, asserting that it disregards Tamil cultural traditions and sentiments.
In his statement, Ezhilarasan urged the NTA and the Indian Government to rearrange the exam dates, emphasizing that holding the tests during Pongal diminishes the festival's significance.
He cautioned that if the schedule is not altered, the student wing would initiate statewide protests.
Simultaneously, CPI(M) leader and Member of Parliament from Madurai, Su Venkatesan, also condemned the central government, alleging it consistently targets Pongal holidays for critical examinations.
In a post on the social media platform X, Venkatesan raised concerns about the frequent overlap of exam dates announced by the Union Government with Pongal.
“Last month, we had to protest against the CA exam date set for January 14, which was subsequently changed. Now, once again, the UGC-NET exam has been scheduled during Pongal week,” he stated. Venkatesan highlighted that Tamilians share a deep emotional bond with Pongal, a celebration dedicated to farmers, and conducting exams on that date would pose difficulties for students.
He confirmed that he has written to the Union Minister for Education, seeking a revision of the examination dates.
The UGC-NET is a crucial eligibility assessment for positions as college assistant professors, Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), and PhD admissions.
Conducted biannually, it represents a vital milestone for aspiring educators and researchers.
The current exam schedule has induced stress and anxiety among candidates from Tamil Nadu, given its clash with the state’s major cultural celebration.
