The Dalit political outfit Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) on Tuesday, July 12, requested the Tamil Nadu government to set up more free National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) coaching centres in the state. Floor leader of VCK in Tamil Nadu Assembly, Sinthanai Selvan, said that the party is opposed to NEET but is for providing more free NEET coaching centres to help the poor and deprived students, as the examination is taking place, according to a report by IANS. 

The MLA also said that while the VCK was conducting free coaching classes for Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC), it does not have a free NEET training centre as it was a costly affair and that the party does not have the means for that. Selvan also said that the party had requested the Chief Minister to open more NEET coaching centres for economically weaker students and students from deprived communities as there are several institutes that are coming up for NEET in the state and are charging exorbitant fees.

It is to be noted that the VCK is part of the DMK coalition in Tamil Nadu and has been vehemently opposing the NEET examination for admission to MBBS and other allied courses.

Dr Prabhakaran Krishnamoorthy, educationist and retired professor of a private medical college in Chennai, while speaking to IANS, pointed out, "The VCK is an ally of the ruling DMK and has been in the forefront of anti-NEET agitations. However, the statement of the VCK leader seems to be an indication that the party has come to terms with the fact that NEET will continue in the country and Tamil Nadu will not be an exception."