Tamil Nadu CM Stalin Supports UGC-NET Postponement
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin praised the Union Education Ministry's decision to delay the UGC-NET exam, originally set for January 15, in light of cultural sensitivities surrounding the Pongal festival. This postponement follows widespread protests against scheduling the exam during significant Tamil celebrations.
Key Takeaways
- UGC-NET exam postponed due to cultural concerns.
- CM Stalin advocates for respect towards Tamil traditions.
- Protests led by DMK against the exam scheduling.
- Calls for understanding of regional sentiments.
- UGC-NET is critical for academic careers.
Chennai, Jan 14 (NationPress) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin praised the Union Education Ministry for its choice to postpone the UGC-National Eligibility Test (NET), which was initially set for January 15.
In a post on social media platform X, Stalin expressed: “I had reached out to the Union Education Minister advocating for the rescheduling of the UGC-NET exams. It is a just decision that the exams have now been deferred!”
“It has become a common occurrence for the Union Government to announce significant exams on Tamil cultural festival days, only to change them afterward due to state influence. We hope that in the future, every institution across this nation honors its rich diversity and considers the feelings of all its citizens when making decisions,” CM Stalin remarked.
On January 13, the National Testing Agency (NTA) declared the postponement of the UGC-NET, responding to numerous appeals from various parties.
In an official announcement, Rajesh Kumar, Director (Exams) at NTA, stated: “The NTA has received requests to delay the exam on January 15 due to festivals, including Pongal and Makar Sankranti. In the interest of the candidates, the exam has been postponed, and a new date will be revealed later.”
The original UGC-NET timetable included 17 examinations on January 15, covering subjects like mass communication and journalism, law, electronic science, and environmental sciences.
Additionally, 14 more examinations were scheduled for January 16, coinciding with Thiruvalluvar Day, a public holiday in Tamil Nadu.
The decision to hold exams during the Pongal celebrations led to significant protests in the state.
The student wing of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) announced statewide demonstrations against the NTA for what they deemed an “insensitive” decision.
DMK Students’ Wing Secretary and MLA, CVMP Ezhilarasan, strongly condemned the decision, stating that it disrespects Tamil cultural values and sentiments.
In his statement, Ezhilarasan urged the NTA and the Central government to rethink the exam schedule, emphasizing that conducting the tests during Pongal undermines the festival’s significance. He warned of statewide protests if the dates were not modified.
CPI(M) leader and Madurai MP Su Venkatesan also criticized the Central government, accusing it of repeatedly scheduling exams during Pongal holidays.
In a post on X, he remarked: “Last month, we had to protest against the CA examination date set for January 14, which was later adjusted. Now, the UGC-NET exam has been planned during Pongal week. This reflects a lack of regard for Tamil cultural traditions.”
Venkatesan added that Pongal is a profoundly emotional festival for Tamilians, honoring farmers and their contributions, and that holding exams during these celebrations inconveniences students.
He confirmed having written to the Union Education Minister, requesting a rescheduling.
The UGC-NET is a vital examination for determining eligibility for assistant professor roles, Junior Research Fellowships (JRF), and Ph.D. admissions.
Conducted biannually, it represents a critical milestone for aspiring academics and researchers.
