Tamil Nadu adopts resolutions against NEET, FCRA

The Tamil Nadu assembly on Tuesday passed two separate resolutions against the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment (FCRA) Bill, even as the lone Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) member opposed the resolutions and walked out of the House

Published on: Aug 12, 2026, 09:04:09 IST

By S Vijay Karthik, Chennai

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The Tamil Nadu assembly on Tuesday passed two separate resolutions against the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment (FCRA) Bill, even as the lone Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) member opposed the resolutions and walked out of the House.

The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government led by chief minister C Joseph Vijay demanded the abolition of the NEET exam, saying that it was against social justice and state rights.

The resolution was moved by health minister KG Arunraj, saying that the examination system severely impacts the medical education opportunities for students from Tamil medium schools, rural students and those belonging to socio-economically backward communities.

Referring to the cancellations of NEET examinations due to continuous paper leaks, he said it caused distress to millions of students and also led to the loss of young lives. “This examination has completely lost the trust of students across the nation. Therefore, this examination system must be abolished,” he said.

It was adopted after members of the DMK, AIADMK, PMK and the Left parties spoke in support of the resolution. Meanwhile, the BJP MLA Bhojarajan opposed the resolution and staged a walkout.

The House later passed a resolution opposing the FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026, in its present form, following a debate.

The TVK government introduced the resolution urging the Union government to withdraw the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 in its present form.

“The FCRA Amendment Bill may adversely affect the autonomy of charitable organisations and, in particular, the functioning of educational and social welfare institutions run by minorities and any amendment must ensure natural justice, proportionality, protection of property rights, legitimate expectation and federalism,” the resolution said.

“While ensuring transparency and accountability in foreign contributions, it must also protect the rights of lawfully functioning charitable, educational, medical, religious, cultural and social welfare organisations,” according to the resolution tabled in the House.

Social justice minister Vanni Arasu said the bill targeted minorities, as certain provisions like Sections 15 and 16 choke the legitimate funding for Christian NGOs, and minority-run social welfare and educational institutions.

BJP legislator Bhojarajan opposed the resolution, saying the Centre intended to rectify or regulate the said Act to prevent the “misuse” of foreign funds. Through the amendment, the Central government aims to fix accountability, he said.

The FCRA Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 25, and is currently under active consideration in the Parliament.

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