STUDY GUIDE
INTRAMUN'24
AI PPM
Discussing the Contemporary Education
Landscape with a Special Emphasis on
NEET 2024.
All India Political Parties Meet
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SR NO. PARTICULARS
1. Letter from the Secretary General
2. Introduction to the Committee
3. Introduction to the Agenda
4. Basic Overview of the Agenda
5. Points to be Discussed
6. References
Secretary General LETTER FROM
Akshat Jain THE SECRETARY GENERAL
Assistant Secretary
Dear Delegates,
General
Rashmi Yogananda
It is my absolute pleasure to welcome you to the GLC Intra Model
Treasurer United Nations Conference. As the Secretary General, I am thrilled to
Hitaishi Patil have you all here, ready to embark on two days of insightful debate,
collaborative problem-solving, and meaningful engagement with the
Director General issues that shape our world today.
Prajakta Jadhav
At GLC MUN Society, we believe that every delegate brings something
Charge D’ Affairs
unique to the table, whether it’s a fresh perspective, a creative solution,
Anshita Pareek
or simply the willingness to engage deeply with complex global and
national challenges. This conference is not just an event—it’s a space
DEPARTMENT HEADS where your ideas and voices have the power to make a difference. Over
the coming days, you will have the opportunity to step into the shoes of
diplomats, tackling some of the most pressing issues facing the
Marketing international and national community. I encourage you to dive in
Devam Kotak wholeheartedly, approach each session with an open mind, and never shy
Nilay Nandu
away from offering your perspective.
Research
Khushi Guha Our team has worked tirelessly to create an environment that encourages
Nishtha Bisht dialogue, debate, and innovation. The committees you’ll be participating
in have been carefully curated to challenge your thinking, push the
Public Relations boundaries of what’s possible, and inspire solutions that go beyond the
Meghal Patil ordinary. But more than anything, this is an opportunity to learn—not
Mugdha Kankal only from the topics at hand but also from each other.
Logistics and
Thank you for being part of this journey. I look forward to witnessing
Administration
the ideas, solutions, and friendships that will emerge in your various
Anushka Pandhare
Areeza Chawdhary committees.
Delegate Affairs Best regards,
and Outreach
Tanvi Joshi
Dwija Kini
Keshav Jha Akshat Jain
Secretary General
Hospitality
Government Law College Model United Nations Society
Saraa Kadam
INTRODUCTION TO THE COMMITTEE
The All India Political Parties Meet (AIPPM) is a vital platform for extensive
discussions and thoughtful deliberations within India's dynamic political landscape. As
the country continues to evolve, the AIPPM plays a crucial role in fostering dialogue
among diverse political parties and addressing issues essential to the nation's progress.
While various perspectives are encouraged on pressing matters, it is important to
recognize that the ruling party often wields considerable influence in these discussions.
AIPPM's primary goal is to address the concerns and agendas of the general public
through collective deliberation by all Indian political parties. Although this committee
does not possess legislative authority—a limitation that has historically hindered
political debates in Parliament—it has evolved into a body that offers valuable insights
into national issues and challenges.
In Model United Nations (MUN) simulations, the AIPPM replicates real-world
scenarios, with delegates representing various leaders and personalities from Indian
political parties. Originally established to discuss bills, acts, and policies beyond the
jurisdiction of the Lok Sabha, its scope has since expanded to include proposing new
agendas and legislative initiatives. This expansion serves the ruling party's interests by
creating opportunities to gather support for their policies and influence non-aligned
parties.
The AIPPM operates under a unique set of rules, distinct from formal MUN
procedures and parliamentary protocols, with adjustments made as necessary.
Delegates representing their political parties are expected to express their views on the
specified agendas, with discussions conducted in either Hindi or English. However, all
official documentation must be in English. The AIPPM may issue memorandums,
written statements, communiqués, and press releases. Its activities include public
sessions, private moderated sessions, and private unmoderated sessions.
We eagerly anticipate your participation in GLC INTRAMUN 2024 and look
forward to receiving your valuable contributions during the debates.
INTRODUCTION TO THE AGENDA
The agenda tabled for this session of the All India Political Parties Meet at the
INTRAMUN 2024 is:
“Discussing the Contemporary Education Landscape with a Special Emphasis on NEET
2024.”.
General Overview
India’s education policy is deeply rooted in the constitutional values of justice,
equality, and social empowerment. Article 21A mandates free and compulsory
education for children aged 6 to 14, reflecting a constitutional commitment to
universal access. The Directive Principles of State Policy further emphasise reducing
inequalities and ensuring equitable access to education for all. These constitutional
provisions ensure that education serves as a tool for personal advancement and social
transformation, fostering national development and social cohesion. India's education
system has undergone significant evolution, blending traditional values with modern
approaches to meet the needs of its diverse population. Structured across primary,
secondary, and higher education, with contributions from public and private
institutions, it plays a critical role in the country's socio-economic development.
However, the system continues to grapple with challenges like accessibility, quality,
and equity, particularly evident in high-stakes examinations such as NEET (National
Eligibility cum Entrance Test).
The NEET 2024 crisis brought these challenges to the forefront. Changes in the exam
pattern, alleged irregularities, and concerns over fairness sparked widespread protests
and debate. The crisis highlighted the immense pressure placed on students in India’s
exam-driven education system and raised questions about the transparency and
reliability of assessments that often determine students' futures. The NEET 2024 crisis
exemplifies the broader issues in India's education system and highlights the need for
reforms that align with the constitutional vision of a more inclusive, accessible, and
equitable system.
Impact of the Current Education System
1. Literacy Rates
Over the years, India’s literacy rate has improved significantly, rising from 64.8% in
2001 to 77.7% by 2022, driven by various government initiatives. Rural education has
expanded, providing millions of children with access to schooling. However, despite
this progress, regional disparities persist, with states like Kerala achieving 96.2%
literacy while Bihar lags at 61.8%.
2. Access to Quality Education
Despite improvements, rural and marginalised communities still face significant
challenges in accessing quality education. Many rural schools lack basic infrastructure,
qualified teachers, and essential learning materials. According to the Annual Status of
Education Report (ASER) 2020, 70% of rural schools report shortages in
infrastructure. This inequality widens the gap between rural and urban students,
contributing to lower literacy levels and higher dropout rates in underprivileged areas.
3. Technological Integration and the Digital Divide
The rise of digital learning, accelerated by the pandemic, has transformed education in
urban areas. Government initiatives like PM eVidya have expanded online education.
However, the digital divide remains a critical issue, with a 2021 study reporting that
only 8% of rural students had access to online classes, compared to 45% in urban
areas. This disparity has worsened educational inequality, particularly during and
after the pandemic.
4. Teacher Training
Teachers are crucial to the success of educational reforms, yet many lack the necessary
training to adopt modern teaching methods and technology. A 2020 report by the
National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) revealed that 60% of teachers did
not receive training in digital tools, limiting their effectiveness in integrating
technology into classrooms. This lack of continuous professional development hinders
the quality of education, especially in rural and government schools.
5. Insufficient Funding
India spends only 3.1% of its GDP on education, far below the recommended 6% by
UNESCO. This underfunding is most evident in rural schools, where many lack basic
facilities like libraries and sanitation. The funding gap exacerbates disparities between
government and private schools, further entrenching inequality in the education
system.
Evolution and Implementation of NEET
Before the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) was implemented
nationwide, medical admissions in India were managed through various state-specific
exams and individual tests conducted by different institutions. This fragmented
approach led to inconsistencies and difficulties in standardising medical admissions.
The concept of NEET was introduced in 2012 to create a unified entrance exam,
aiming to streamline the process and ensure fairness. However, the implementation
faced delays due to opposition from several states, including Andhra Pradesh,
Karnataka, Gujarat, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu, who raised concerns about
discrepancies between the NEET syllabus and their state curricula. The exam was
initially held on May 5, 2013, but was cancelled by the Supreme Court on July 18,
2013, which ruled that the Medical Council of India (MCI) could not enforce a unified
test.
Despite the cancellation, the NEET concept was revived. In 2016, after further legal
battles, the Supreme Court reinstated NEET, allowing the Central Government and
MCI to implement the exam. NEET was conducted in two phases in 2016, with the All
India Pre-Medical Test (AIPMT) considered Phase One. Students who took Phase
One had the option to appear for Phase Two but had to forfeit their Phase One scores.
To enhance accessibility, NEET was expanded to include multiple regional languages
from 2017 onwards, such as Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Bengali, Assamese, Gujarati,
Kannada, and Odia, alongside English and Hindi. This broadening of language
options aimed to make the exam more inclusive and accommodate students from
diverse linguistic backgrounds.
NEET 2024 CRISIS
Background
The NEET 2024 crisis stands out as a major event in the history of Indian entrance
examinations. NEET-UG, organised by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for
undergraduate medical admissions, encountered several unexpected challenges this
year. On May 5, 2024, during the NEET-UG exam, allegations of question paper leaks
surfaced on social media. Although the NTA promptly denied these claims, instances
like the arrest of 13 individuals in Patna for allegedly purchasing leaked papers for
exorbitant amounts raised serious concerns. The examination crisis exposed major
flaws in digital security and advancements. The exam's integrity was compromised
when leaked question papers surfaced on messaging platforms like WhatsApp and
Telegram, with breaches traced to centres in Meghalaya, Haryana, and Surat. This
highlighted severe cybersecurity failures in the National Testing Agency's (NTA)
online systems. Additionally, in Godhra, Gujarat, a raid at an examination centre led
to the arrest of five people, including the deputy superintendent, for their involvement
in exam malpractice. The magnitude of these incidents called into question the
integrity of the examination process, leading to widespread anxiety and outrage
among students and parents across the nation.
Result Scrutiny
The results of NEET-UG 2024, declared on June 4, witnessed a significant surge in the
number of top rankers, including 67 students scoring perfect marks, leading to
suspicions of irregularities. The NTA attributed this to an error in an older version of
the NCERT textbook, which had confused one of the physics questions. The agency
clarified that the affected students were awarded compensatory marks after numerous
challenges to the answer key. However, the issue of seemingly impossible scores
persisted, with many students receiving mathematically improbable marks. This
discrepancy led to demands for a thorough review of the results, culminating in the
Supreme Court’s intervention. The Court ordered the NTA to conduct a re-
examination for 1,563 students who had been awarded compensatory marks based on
a normalization formula. Eventually, after a detailed inquiry, the number of toppers
was revised from 67 to 17, reflecting the complexity and controversy surrounding the
results.
Legal Proceedings
The legal ramifications of the NEET 2024 crisis were extensive, with multiple petitions
filed across various high courts and the Supreme Court of India. The Supreme Court
played a pivotal role in addressing the numerous grievances raised by students and
stakeholders. On July 23, 2024, the Court concluded that while there were undeniable
instances of malpractice and paper leaks, these incidents did not constitute a systemic
failure. Therefore, the Court upheld the validity of the examination and ruled out a
complete re-examination. The Court also transferred unresolved petitions to the
respective jurisdictional High Courts, ensuring that all grievances were addressed
through appropriate legal channels.
Failure of Regulatory Bodies
1. National Testing Agency (NTA)
The NTA, which conducts NEET-UG, faced severe scrutiny for its handling of the
2024 exam. The agency struggled with issues such as paper leaks and the awarding of
mathematically improbable scores. The controversy led to the arrest of 13 individuals
in Patna and the dismissal of NTA Director General Subodh Kumar Singh. The
Supreme Court intervened to address these issues, ordering a re-examination for 1,563
students and highlighting the need for more robust examination procedures.
2. Ministry of Education
The Ministry of Education, which oversees educational policy, was criticised for its
lack of effective monitoring and intervention in the examination process. This
oversight failure contributed to the NEET 2024 crisis, where allegations of question
paper leaks emerged. On May 5, 2024, reports surfaced about paper leaks, with arrests
made in Patna and Godhra. In Patna, 13 individuals were arrested for allegedly buying
leaked papers for ₹1.5 lakh each, and in Godhra, five people, including a deputy
superintendent, were arrested in connection with exam malpractice.
3. National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT)
NCERT faced backlash when errors in its textbooks were linked to NEET 2024 issues.
An outdated version of an NCERT physics textbook led to confusion in one the of
exam questions, resulting in compensatory marks for 67 students. The discrepancy was
significant enough that on June 4, 2024, the Supreme Court ordered a re-examination
for 1,563 students who had been awarded compensatory marks, eventually revising the
number of top scorers from 67 to 17.
4. National Medical Commission (NMC)
The NMC, responsible for medical education regulation, was criticised for inadequate
enforcement of examination standards. The 2024 NEET exam faced significant
challenges, including paper leaks and scoring anomalies. These issues led to the
introduction of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024,
which aimed to curb cheating and enhance the examination's integrity.
Uncleanse NEET
The NEET 2024 crisis highlighted the vulnerabilities and systemic issues within the
Indian examination framework. Despite the NTA’s efforts to maintain the sanctity of
the exam, the incidents of paper leaks and the subsequent controversies surrounding
the results exposed flaws in the system. The situation called for introspection and a re-
evaluation of the processes governing such critical examinations. The crisis not only
eroded public trust in the NTA but also underscored the need for stronger safeguards
to prevent similar issues in the future. In response, the government took decisive
action, including the dismissal of NTA Director General Subodh Kumar Singh and
the introduction of new measures, such as the Public Examinations (Prevention of
Unfair Means) Act, 2024, aimed at preventing cheating and ensuring the integrity of
public examinations. These steps mark a critical juncture in the ongoing efforts to
restore confidence in India's education system and ensure a fair and transparent
process for all aspirants.
Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act,
2024
In light of the urgent need for reforms in the examination system, prompting the
introduction of stringent measures to prevent malpractice. Central to this effort is the
Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, which seeks to
strengthen the integrity of public examinations moving forward.
Scope of the Act:
Under the Act, a Public Examination includes any examination conducted by the
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Staff Selection Commission (SSC),
Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs), Institute of Banking Personnel Selection
(IBPS), and the National Testing Agency (NTA). These bodies are responsible for
conducting key public examinations in India.
Section 3 of the Act defines “unfair means” broadly, including:
i) Theft of examination materials or their leakage;
ii) Cheating or assisting candidates in any way;
iii) Corrupting computer setups or resources;
iv) Foul play in candidate shortlisting or ranking;
v) Conducting fraudulent exams or issuing fake admit cards and
vi) Tampering with answer sheets or examination records.
Penalties and Enforcement:
The Act prescribes severe penalties for individuals involved in examination
malpractices. Section 9 states that the nature of offences is cognizable (meaning police
can arrest without a warrant), non-bailable (bail is at the magistrate’s discretion) and
non-compoundable (meaning cases cannot be withdrawn even if the parties wish to
settle).
As per Section 30, individuals found guilty of unfair means face imprisonment ranging
from 3 to 5 years and a fine up to ₹10 lakh. If the fine is not paid, additional
imprisonment may be imposed.
For service providers involved in unfair practices, the section stipulates a fine up to ₹1
crore and the recovery of examination costs. These service providers are defined as
entities or organisations hired by examination authorities to conduct exams.
Implementation and Delays:
The Act, designed to combat unfair practices in public exams, was passed to restore
credibility and prevent cheating. However, its enforcement faced delays. Although the
Act was signed by the President and officially took effect on June 21, 2024, the
government had not yet framed the necessary rules or guidelines due to delays caused
by the general elections. Section 16 of the Act requires the Central Government to
create rules for the conduct of public examinations, which must be published in the
official gazette and laid before Parliament, but the formation of these rules was
hindered, leading to questions about the Act's readiness.
National Education Policy, 2020
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 marks a transformative shift in India's
education system, aiming to create a more holistic, flexible, and multidisciplinary
approach to learning. Designed to meet the demands of the 21st century, the policy
emphasises accessibility, inclusivity, and bridging the gaps between urban and rural
education. NEP 2020 focuses on reducing dropout rates and ensuring that education is
available to all while tackling long-standing challenges such as outdated curricula,
inadequate infrastructure, and teacher shortages. Additionally, the policy promotes
the integration of technology into classrooms, making education more dynamic and
relevant for the digital age. By fostering critical thinking and innovation, NEP 2020
aspires to prepare students for global challenges and opportunities.
The following are its key features:
1. Multidisciplinary Approach
NEP 2020 encourages students to explore a wide range of subjects across different
disciplines, whether it's arts, science, or humanities. The idea is to provide more
freedom of choice, helping students develop a well-rounded understanding instead of
being restricted to traditional subject streams.
2. Reduction in Content Overload
One of the goals of the policy is to lighten the curriculum by focusing on essential
concepts. Instead of memorising large amounts of information, students are
encouraged to think critically, understand key ideas, and apply them in real-life
situations.
3. Skill Development and Vocational Education
NEP 2020 places a strong emphasis on building practical skills alongside theoretical
knowledge. By promoting vocational training and entrepreneurship from an early
stage, the policy aims to prepare students for the workforce with relevant skills that go
beyond the classroom.
4. Inclusion and Equity
The policy is committed to ensuring education is accessible to everyone, particularly
underrepresented groups like marginalized communities, girls, and students with
disabilities. NEP 2020 strives to create a fair and equitable learning environment,
where all students have the support they need to succeed.
5. Research and Innovation
Recognizing that research is the backbone of knowledge, NEP 2020 promotes the
establishment of research institutions and encourages a culture of innovation. By
sparking curiosity and creative thinking, it aims to make research a key component of
education.
6. Internationalisation
NEP 2020 encourages global collaborations by facilitating partnerships between
Indian and International institutions. This promotes cultural exchange, global
exposure, and broadens students' perspectives by providing opportunities to learn
from international best practices.
Government Initiatives
1. Digital India Campaign
Introduced in 2015, this campaign plays a vital role in modernising education in India.
Key platforms such as SWAYAM, which offers over 2,000 free online courses, and
DIKSHA, providing digital learning resources to teachers and students, are central to
this effort. Additionally, over 50,000 schools have adopted smart classrooms, making
learning more interactive and engaging, particularly in urban areas, and bridging the
digital divide in education.
2. Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) & Mid-Day Meal Scheme
Launched in 2000, the scheme focuses on achieving universal elementary education for
children aged 6-14. As of 2023, it has successfully enrolled over 200 million children,
pushing the primary school enrollment rate to an impressive 98%. Complementing
SSA is the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, which provides free meals to over 120 million
students in government and aided schools. This initiative not only boosts school
attendance but also addresses malnutrition, helping improve the learning capabilities
of millions of children across the country.
3. Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) & STEM Initiatives
Launched in 2015, the PMKVY focuses on vocational training, targeting 10 million
youth by 2020. To date, over 8 million individuals have received training in key sectors
such as manufacturing, IT, and construction. Simultaneously, the government
promotes STEM education through programs like the Atal Innovation Mission
(AIM), supporting innovation labs in over 10,000 schools, and fostering a culture of
scientific inquiry and entrepreneurship.
Recent Headlines
1. Rajasthan SI Exam Fraud
In September 2024, a former member of the Rajasthan Public Service Commission
(RPSC), Ramu Ram Raika, was arrested along with his children for their involvement
in the Sub-Inspector (SI) Recruitment Exam 2021 paper leak. Raika had allegedly
supplied his children with the leaked question paper, enabling his daughter Shobha to
secure the fifth rank and his son Devesh to place 40th in the exam. Both had already
begun their training at the Rajasthan Police Academy when the scandal broke.
Investigations by the Special Operations Group (SOG) revealed that 38 individuals
had been arrested in connection with the case, further eroding trust in the recruitment
process.
2. Recurring Exam Paper Leaks in 2024
The issue of paper leaks has become a recurring problem in 2024, with four major
cases reported by September. The UP Police Constable Recruitment Exam in
February 2024, for example, was cancelled after a viral leak of the exam paper just
hours before the test, leading to the arrest of 244 individuals. Similarly, the UGC NET
exam in June 2024 was also marred by reports of its paper being leaked on the darknet
and circulated via Telegram, leading to its cancellation and rescheduling.
POINTS TO BE DISCUSSED
Evaluating the impact of digital advancements in Indian education and how they
can both enhance learning and pose challenges to exam security, as seen in the
NEET 2024 crisis.
Discussing the impact of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means)
Act, 2024, on examination integrity and its delayed implementation.
Evaluating how India’s education system is addressing the needs of marginalized
groups, including rural students, women, and disabled individuals.
Examining the role of regulatory bodies in NEET 2024, identifying their
shortcomings and areas for improvement.
Analyzing the government’s response to the NEET 2024 crisis and the measures
taken to enhance examination security.
REFERENCES
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Saurav-Suman-
22/publication/374927992_India's_New_Education_Policy_A_Paradigm_Shift_in_
the_Educational_Landscape/links/6537bc665d51a8012b6d745d/Indias-New-
Education-Policy-A-Paradigm-Shift-in-the-Educational-Landscape.pdf
https://events.rdias.ac.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/1.Challenges-and-Initiatives-
in-relation-to-Inclusive-39-46-Education-in-india-A-case-of-person-
with.pdf#page=127
https://tndalu.ac.in/pdf/2021/Apr/REIMAGINING%20INDIAN%20UNIVERSI
TIES.pdf#page=310
https://journalppw.com/index.php/jpsp/article/view/7701
https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4859471
https://www.afjbs.com/uploads/paper/062d18650d680a9e0bdcd3303dbd4ee7.pdf
https://nta.ac.in/Download/Notice/Notice_20240606205923.pdf