On June 6, the results of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) was announced. 1,410,755 candidates had applied for the exam, which was 14% higher than the last year. 7,97,042 candidates of the total cleared it.
Interesting, nearly 80% of the Other Backward Castes (OBC), Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) cleared the general category cutoff.
OBC, SC, ST Candidates Clearing General Category Cut-Off
As per The Telegraph report, 3.76 lakh OBC category students qualified for the examination. Out of that, 3.12 lakh or 83% of the students cleared the general category cut-off which was the 50th percentile.
99,890 candidates from the Scheduled Castes qualified. Out of these students, 79,881 cleared the general category cut off as well.
Among the candidates from the Scheduled Tribes, 35,272 candidates qualified while 26,817 cleared the 50th percentile cut-off.
This data is particularly important considering the fact that students from reserved categories often face harassment and discrimination. Their meritocracy is questioned and in some cases humiliated for the same.
Professor Kesav Kumar an Ambedkarite scholar who teaches philosophy in Delhi University, says, “The positive point is that SCs, STs and OBCs are qualifying and getting success under general merit cut-off. But it does not mean they would not face discrimination on campuses. The institutional environment and work environment have discriminatory practices. That must end.”
Case of Dr Payal Tadvi
One such example of harassment & castiesm is that of Dr Payal Tadvi, a tribal doctor from the tribal Bhil community. She was found dead in her hostel of the BYL Nair Hospital on 23rd May. Abeda Tadvi, the mother of the victim, filed a police complaint against three senior doctors for alleged harassment.
The three doctors who reportedly harassed her on basis of her caste were then arrested by the police. This incident has opened the debate of students and professionals being harassed in their institutions for the caste they belong to.
Also Read: Payal Tadvi Death: Lawyer Alleges Murder After Autopsy Shows Injury On Neck, Chat Reveals Bullying
