NEET, JEE 2020: Delhi L-G Anil Baijal allows conduct of exams, rejects Kejriwal govt's objections

Amid widespread protests over the NEET, JEE 2020, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal on Saturday declined to postpone the exams in the national capital and dismissed the objections raised by the Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government.

According to reports, Delhi L-G Anil Baijal gave his nod to conduct the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and the Joint Entrance Exam (JEE) 2020 in the city during a meeting of the Delhi Disaster Management Act (DDMA).

The NEET, JEE 2020 exams are scheduled to be held in September, even amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic outbreak. Notably, protests are being held by students and Opposition parties against the decision to hold the exams amid the ongoing pandemic.

Ministers from six Opposition-ruled states have also moved the Supreme Court seeking directions to postpone the exams reviewing its earlier order in the matter. The Delhi government had also recommended the postponement of the two exams in view of the safety of students amid the widespread COVID-19 pandemic.

"Delhi Chief Minister had also decided against holding JEE and NEET in view of the pandemic. However, the L-G returned the file giving his permission to hold the exams," agencies reported, citing Delhi government sources.

The Supreme Court had on August 17 dismissed a petition seeking the postponement of the NEET and JEE scheduled to be held in September 2020 observing that the career of students cannot be put under jeopardy for long.

According to the revised schedule, the NEET 2020 exams will take place on September 13, while JEE 2020 will be conducted from September 1-6.