New Delhi, 12 August (H.S.): Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday wrote to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, stating that the government was ready to hold a discussion in Parliament on the student protests related to the NEET examination. He urged the Opposition to engage in consultations and ensure that adequate time was allotted for a detailed discussion on the issue.

In his letter, Shah said Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju had conveyed the government’s willingness at a meeting of the Business Advisory Committee to discuss the issue of student protests concerning the NEET examination in Parliament.

He noted that, at the Opposition’s request, the Lok Sabha had already discussed the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, during the ongoing session. However, he pointed out that none of the Opposition MPs had raised or expressed their views on the NEET examination during that discussion. Despite this, Shah said, the government remained prepared to take up the matter for a separate discussion.

The Home Minister requested the Lok Sabha Speaker to consult Opposition leaders and mutually decide how much time should be allocated for the discussion, including the number of hours considered appropriate, beginning Wednesday.

Shah said he wished to remain present in the House throughout the allotted time and participate in the discussion. He also assured the Opposition that he was prepared to respond to all questions raised by its members on the issue.

Emphasising the importance of dialogue in a democracy, Shah said that solutions could be found only through discussion and constructive engagement. He reiterated his firm faith in democracy and democratic institutions and said that Parliament was meant to provide a forum for discussion and dialogue.

The Home Minister also urged the Lok Sabha Speaker to consult Opposition leaders and help create a conducive atmosphere in the House so that members from both the treasury and Opposition benches could present their views on the issue.

Shah’s letter comes amid continued disruptions in Parliament over the NEET-related student protests and alleged police action against demonstrators. The government has maintained that it is willing to discuss the matter, while the Opposition has been demanding answers and accountability over the alleged use of force against protesting students.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar