PANJIM: Notwithstanding to the nation-wide protest, the Goa government is all prepared to host the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) and National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (NEET) for its 5,412 students across 17 centres following all safety measures.
The JEE examination will be held this week; while NEET is scheduled on September 13.
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Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant has directed District Collectors — North and South, to ensure law and order situation in the State, especially where examination centres are located. The Electricity Department is asked to check that the centres are supplied with non-interrupted power supply while students are answering the exams.
The JEE examinations are held for admissions in Engineering, while NEET is a sole test for those aspiring to pursue in Medicine, Dental and Ayush.
On Sunday, Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank had meeting with Dr Sawant requesting to make elaborate security arrangements for conducting the Medical and Engineering entrance exams.
“I had an extensive discussion with Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant over holding of the prestigious NEET-JEE examinations in the State,” Union Minister tweeted.
“I have requested the Chief Minister to have elaborate security arrangements and facilities at these centres,” he said in another tweet.
In lines with its nationwide protest, the Opposition Congress in the State has demanded that NEET and JEE examinations be postponed in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Chief Minister on Monday held meeting with Secretary Education Nila Mohanan, Director Education, Technical Education and Higher Education and directed them to ensure that all necessary support is provided for successful conduct of examination.
Speaking to the media persons post meeting, Dr Sawant said that State government is prepared to hold the examinations by ensuring that all safety guidelines are followed. He said that under the COVID-19 scenario, the State had conducted examinations like GCET, Diploma and Goa Board, successfully.
“I welcome the decision of Central government to go ahead with the examination. Safety of the students will be given top most priority. Wearing of mask, use of sanitisers and thermal screening would be mandatory,” he said.
The JEE examination will be held at two centres namely SRIEIT Shiroda and TCS at Patto Plaza, Panjim, whereas the NEET will be held at 15 centres which include four Kendriya Vidalaya, four private schools and government and private colleges.
“Instructions to District Collectors and Superintendents of Police of North and South have been issued to provide all assistance for facilitating and maintaining the law and order situation,” Dr Sawant said adding that the Electricity Department will ensure uninterrupted power supply.
