The undergarments of a 17-year-old girl were forcibly removed in a NEET centre in Kerala’s Kollam district. The incident was reported on July 18. While the indignity faced by the girl is problematic and incomprehensible, authorities claim that removing the bra and underwear was necessary as they were following protocol.
The administrators at the centre cited NEET guidelines claiming that the metal detectors would detect the bras. However, the authorities’ ineptitude in handling the girls’ modesty is an absolute shame.
NEET Kerala Girls’ Father Fights Against The System
The young girl at the NEET centre is not alone in her struggle. Five other girls have faced similar embarrassment. In addition, her father, a local businessman, filed an FIR with the local police due to the alleged concern.
The “traumatic experience” left a mark on the psyche of the girl, and on conditions of anonymity, she told NDTV,
“They called me and said there would be a scanning. We thought they would let us go after the scan, but they made us stand in two queues- one for girls wearing bras without metal hooks, and the other line.”
Administrators At The Centre Speak Up
It is believed that the NEET administrators in Kerala increased vigilance against the centre after the CBI probe in Delhi against eight people. The bureau arrested them for using fraudulent means such as proxy servers and forged documents which they used to cheat the exam system. The shameful act may be an overreach by the Superintendents at the Kerala centre.
Opposition States Grievances
However, it is not fair to compare the two instances, as a senior Education Ministry official told PTI that the NEET dress code does not need innerwear to be removed to protect the sanctum of gender and culture. The gender quotient is critical as the frisking culture can be insensitive towards girls. Therefore, it is a matter of principle to maintain the safety of this sex.
‘Allegations Are False’: Rift Between The Union And Kerala
The National Testing Agency (NTA), which holds the examination, has said the allegation is false. They said that based on media claims, the NTA received this report and the centre’s superintendents stated that the news was fictitious and based on lies. The blatant lie being spoken by the NEET centre shows the political pressure from the state and opposing parties.
According to sources, Kerala Higher Education Minister, R Bindu, displayed utter “shock and dismay” at the incident and addressed a letter to the Union Education Minister, Dharmendra Prasad. The letter stated that strict action must be taken by the ruling party that controls the NTA functionaries.
It is heartening to see the opposition stand up for what is right. The Kerala State Human Rights Commission also ordered an investigation into the incident and directed the Kollam Rural SP to investigate the matter.
“It Is An Reprehensible Act:” Outrage On Twitter
There was social media outrage from all sides, with #NEET trending on Twitter. R Bindu took to the platform too to express her views, stating,
“It is reprehensible that girl students who appeared for the NEET-UG exam in Kollam were made to remove their innerwear before entering the exam hall. It is learnt that this was done by people from the agency conducting the examination.”
The Union Education Minister has not replied, and the tragic story is yet to develop at the central level. However, state affairs show that the injustice meted out might continue if culturally incognizant and draconian lawmakers are at the highest level of governance.