Rashmi Belur speaks to Karnataka Higher Education Minister Dr M C Sudhakar on having a state-level medical entrance exam and the future of CET.
As controversy over NEET rages across the country, Congress-ruled Karnataka is thinking of following Tamil Nadu’s footsteps by waging a legal battle to seek exemption from the all-India test. But Higher Education Minister Dr M C Sudhakar tells DH’s Rashmi Belur that having a state-level medical entrance exam will require the Supreme Court’s nod. He also talks about the future of CET. Excerpts:
Will the delay in NEET process affect CET schedule for other courses?
Though there are no restrictions on conducting counseling, we’re worried as investigation into NEET irregularities is revealing fresh cases every day. We are concerned about the possibility of the exam being nullified. Our entire process for counselling will be disturbed because of the NEET issue. We’re preparing a plan ‘B’. We’ll soon discuss the plan with the chief minister to avoid derailment of the entire process.
Even KCET ran into controversy this year.
In the case of KCET, it was not a malpractice. It was an issue over out-of-syllabus questions. To streamline the system, we’re introducing artificial intelligence, facial recognition and biometrics in competitive exams.
There are reports that the government is planning to amend the Karnataka State Universities Act.
Yes, we’re discussing on amending the Act. We need to bring in accountability even for vice-chancellors, while improving the quality of the Syndicate and functioning of universities.
Why haven’t recruitment orders been issued to 1,200 assistant professors?
The verification of all the candidates is over. But, 32 people moved court over the issue related to Article 371(J) and got a stay order. The case is coming up for hearing on July 7. We hope to get the stay vacated and complete the process. Meanwhile, we have submitted a proposal for 6,000 sanctioned teaching posts in government-run degree, engineering and polytechnic colleges.