Chennai: The Tamil Nadu Assembly on Monday adopted two resolutions in a single day opposing key Central laws, with the Vijay-led state government moving both measures. The House urged the Union government to withdraw amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) and to scrap the NEET medical entrance examination.
A separate resolution on NEET was moved by Health and Family Welfare Minister Arunraj. The government reiterated its stand that NEET is against social justice, equality and state rights, and said it adversely affects rural students and those from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds, including students studying in Tamil medium.
The resolution also flagged the growth of high-fee coaching centres and said the exam shifts students’ focus away from school curriculum, effectively allowing a single-day test to determine higher education outcomes. It noted that a state bill seeking exemption for Tamil Nadu—unanimously passed in 2021—has been kept pending by the President, and cited question paper leaks and irregularities that led to cancellation and a re-test this year.
On the FCRA issue, School Education Minister Rajmohan moved a resolution expressing concern that the amendment would allow the government to take over assets of non-profits if their FCRA registration lapses or is cancelled. The House said this could affect the autonomy of charitable organisations, particularly minority-run educational and social welfare institutions, and called for withdrawal of the FCRA amendment bill in its current form.
Both resolutions were passed by voice vote with support from opposition parties including the DMK and AIADMK, along with Congress, PMK, VCK, CPI(M), CPI, Muslim League, Manithaneya Makkal Katchi and Manithaneya Jananayaga Katchi.
